Tenney reiterates call for federal investigation into NY requiring nursing homes to take COVID-19 patients
Brindisi silent as new reports show drastic increase in nursing home deaths
New Hartford, NY – Claudia Tenney, Republican candidate for NY-22, today reiterated her calls for the U.S. Justice Department to investigate New York State’s mandate that nursing homes take in recovering COVID-19 patients.Yesterday, the Associated Press reported that more than 1,700 deaths were not originally accounted for in nursing homes throughout New York, bringing the total to over 4,800.
“Governor Cuomo continues denying responsibility when it comes to his own order that nursing homes admit COVID-19 patients – putting our most vulnerable citizens at risk,” Tenney said. “This is wrong and the U.S. Attorney should investigate this issue immediately.”
NBC News recently reported that one Long Island nursing home had only one COVID-19 patient in late March. However, “A month later, Gurwin is battling an outbreak that’s killed 24 residents — only three of whom were hospital transfers — and one staff member, who worked in housekeeping, Almer said. And the nursing home is still mandated to take in recovering hospital patients known to have the virus, potentially increasing its spread in the facility.”
The mandate, which was issued by the NYS Department of Health at Cuomo’s direction, states,”all Nursing Homes must comply with the expedited receipt of Covid positive residents returning from hospitals.”
Anthony Brindisi has spent his entire career cozying up to Gov. Cuomo and his policies which have been devastating to upstate New York. Brindisi voted with Cuomo 97% of the time in the Assembly and is on the record praising the Governor including saying, “The governor has been very good for our area.”
“Anthony Brindisi is afraid to call out Governor Cuomo on his dangerous edict and stand up for his constituents. Brindisi’s total lack of conviction and leadership will continue to put seniors and vulnerable people in nursing homes at risk,” Tenney said.