Cuomo Accused of Wrongdoing in COVID Investigation

Investigation into Former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Handling of COVID-19 Pandemic

The Republican-controlled House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic recently published the findings of their investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation discovered evidence of Cuomo’s administration deliberately attempting to conceal the true extent of nursing home deaths due to the virus.

Cuomo’s Alleged Role in the Spread of COVID-19

In March 2020, Cuomo issued a directive mandating that nursing homes admit COVID-19 positive patients from hospitals, despite knowing the increased risk of transmission this posed. The Cuomo administration defended the directive, claiming that it was consistent with federal guidelines. However, critics accused Cuomo of putting vulnerable seniors at risk, leading to increased transmissions and fatalities within the nursing homes.

New Investigation Uncovers Alleged “Reckless” Action

A staff memorandum released by the House Select Subcommittee concluded that the Cuomo administration had recklessly exposed New York’s most vulnerable population to COVID-19. Subcommittee chair Brad Wenstrup accused Cuomo and his team of failures during the pandemic. “The Cuomo Administration is responsible for recklessly exposing New York’s most vulnerable population to COVID-19. Today’s memo holds Mr. Cuomo and his team accountable for their failures and provides the most detailed and comprehensive accounting of New York’s pandemic-era wrongdoing.”

Inconsistent Guidelines

The memorandum questioned Cuomo’s decision, given the guidelines issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the time. While CMS stated that nursing homes could accept a resident diagnosed with COVID-19 as long as the facility could follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for transmission-based precautions, Cuomo’s directive used language implying mandatory admissions.

Critics Slam Cuomo’s Approach

Many have criticized Cuomo’s decision, citing an independent report commissioned by current New York Governor Kathy Hochul, which concluded that systemic pre-pandemic issues led to “avoidable response failings” and a “small secondary medical surge” within New York nursing homes.

Key Takeaways

* Cuomo’s March 25th directive may have contributed to increased transmission within nursing homes
* Inconsistencies between federal guidelines and Cuomo’s language led to increased admissions and risks
* An independent report commissioned by Governor Kathy Hochul criticized Cuomo’s decision, citing pre-pandemic systemic issues
* The Cuomo administration refused to disclose full information regarding nursing home deaths, potentially downplaying the severity of the pandemic’s impact on New York

Conclusion

The House Select Subcommittee’s investigation highlights serious concerns surrounding Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York nursing homes. While Cuomo denied wrongdoing and accused the investigation of being biased, many remain skeptical of his leadership during the pandemic. Further investigations and accountability are needed to uncover the truth about Cuomo’s actions and provide a safer environment for America’s seniors.

FAQs

What did the Cuomo administration’s directive require of nursing homes?

March 2020 directive instructed nursing homes to admit COVID-19 positive patients from hospitals.

Did the federal guidelines support Cuomo’s action?

CMS guidelines implied voluntary acceptance, whereas Cuomo’s language suggested mandatory admissions.

What was the independent report’s conclusion about Cuomo’s actions?

Reported systemic pre-pandemic issues, blame on the “novelty” of the pandemic, and criticized Cuomo’s centralized decision-making process, stating the decision to center the response within the executive office.