Inquiry into Cuomo's COVID-19 nursing home orders

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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic has taken significant steps towards uncovering the truth behind the handling of the crisis in New York State. Most recently, the Subcommittee has requested testimony from four former officials of Governor Andrew Cuomo's administration regarding the controversial "must admit" orders issued to nursing homes at the onset of the pandemic.

The individuals summoned to testify include Elizabeth Garvey, Gareth Rhodes, James Malatras, and Linda Lacewell, all of whom held key positions within Cuomo's administration during the critical early months of the pandemic. These requests come amidst growing scrutiny over Cuomo's handling of the crisis, particularly concerning the decision to compel nursing homes to admit COVID-19 positive patients.

Letters were dispatched to the former officials, urging them to participate in in-person transcribed interviews before the Republican-led panel. Chairman Brad Wenstrup and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis have emphasized the importance of cooperation, warning that compulsory measures may be pursued if voluntary participation is not forthcoming.

At the heart of the inquiry lies Cuomo's March 2020 directive, which mandated nursing homes to accept COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals. This decision, while partially rescinded in May 2020, has been subject to intense criticism and scrutiny. Reports suggest that the policy may have contributed to an additional 1,000 deaths in nursing homes, a devastating toll that cannot be ignored.

Cuomo's administration has faced allegations of downplaying the true extent of COVID-19 fatalities related to the policy. A July 2020 report highlighted discrepancies in reporting, with the exclusion of deaths that occurred outside of facilities. Subsequent investigations have revealed that the actual death toll may have been significantly higher than initially reported, casting doubt on the transparency and accountability of Cuomo's administration.

In response to the Subcommittee's inquiries, a spokesperson for Cuomo has decried what they perceive as the politicization of tragedy. Rich Azzopardi, the spokesperson, contends that Cuomo's directive did not waive basic federal requirements regarding the care of nursing home residents. However, these assertions are met with skepticism as the Subcommittee continues its pursuit of truth and accountability.

As the nation grapples with the enduring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the quest for answers remains paramount. The House COVID-19 panel's efforts to shed light on the events surrounding Cuomo's administration's response to the crisis serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and justice in times of adversity. Only through a thorough examination of past actions can we hope to prevent similar tragedies in the future and honor the memory of those we have lost.