On the fourth anniversary of the controversial Department of Health (DOH) directive that required nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients, key figures from the Assembly and Senate Republican Conferences, along with Voices for Seniors Co-Founder Vivian Zayas, Director Tracey Alvino, and U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-Binghamton), convened at the Capitol to press for an independent review of New York State’s handling of the COVID crisis in long-term care facilities. This directive has been linked to nearly 15,000 deaths in such facilities throughout the pandemic, sparking outrage and demands for accountability.
Despite promises from Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration to conduct a thorough investigation, Republicans say progress has been notably absent. The assembly gathered to also urge the governor to kickstart the “Reimagining Long-Term Care Task Force,” another initiative that has seen delays. Legislative efforts to obtain subpoena power for hearings on the matter have been continuous, aiming to shed light on the decisions that led to this tragedy.
The event underscored the ongoing grief of thousands of families awaiting answers and the broader implications of the state’s pandemic policies. Leaders from both legislative bodies criticized the lack of transparency and action, emphasizing the need to learn from past mistakes to prevent future tragedies. The call for a comprehensive, independent review remains strong, reflecting a consensus on the necessity of understanding and rectifying the mishandling of COVID-19 in nursing homes. The now publicly disclosed intentional omission of information by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his staff, and the damaging reports from Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General Letitia James support the need for further examination of the state’s COVID response by an independent entity.
“Four years of unanswered questions, four years of families grieving, four years of zero transparency,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski). “Governor Kathy Hochul promised families an independent review of the state’s policies during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic; New York families are still awaiting that review. The state’s approach to the pandemic was severely mishandled, and we will continue to fight until proper action is taken. We must seek to learn from the mistakes of the past, or I fear, we will be doomed to repeat them in the future.”
“The best way to ensure New York is better prepared in the future, is to openly and honestly assess the mistakes of the past. Thousands of families continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones in nursing homes due to the disastrous March 25th directive from former Governor Cuomo,” Senate GOP Leader Rob Ortt . They deserve the thorough, transparent investigation that was promised, not more inaction from their state government.”
“Today is an emotional day for so many,” Molinaro said. “Four years ago today, Governor Cuomo mandated COVID positive seniors be forced into nursing homes. Instead of addressing it, he covered it up. Actions should have consequences. Those responsible for the deadly mandate and cover-up must be held to account.”
Assemblyman Joe DeStefanp (R,C-Medford) added, “It’s deeply concerning that, after four years, an independent review still hasn’t been conducted regarding the state’s response to the COVID crisis, leaving families who have lost loved ones without the justice they deserve. This lack of action is verging on criminal negligence. Our mothers, fathers, siblings and friends are not disposable. As a dedicated member of the Committee on Aging and a longstanding friend and supporter of Voices for Seniors, I wholeheartedly stand with affected families in advocating for the long-overdue accountability that we need. The tragic consequences of the Department of Health’s order cannot be ignored, and it’s our duty to ensure families who have suffered loss receive the justice and closure they deserve.”