Congressman Brad Wenstrup of Ohio, who is also a doctor, has accused Governor Andrew Cuomo and his administration of editing health documents and concealing the true nursing home mortality rate. The subcommittee's findings, based on transcribed interviews and a review of approximately 500,000 documents, suggest that Cuomo's administration issued a directive that contradicted CDC guidelines and potentially endangered vulnerable nursing home residents.
The directive in question, bearing Cuomo's name at the top, mandated the admission or readmission of COVID-positive patients into nursing homes and prohibited testing, a move deemed questionable by medical professionals. Wenstrup highlighted the significant decrease in deaths among nursing home residents without new admissions, indicating a potential link between the directive and mortality rates.
Furthermore, the congressman emphasized the importance of accounting for deaths that occurred in hospitals after nursing home residents were infected, as this data is crucial for understanding the spread of the virus and implementing preventive measures.
In response to Cuomo's attempt to shift blame to political motives, Wenstrup clarified that the subcommittee's focus is on conducting an impartial review of pandemic responses, devoid of partisan considerations. He underscored the need for accountability and learning from past mistakes to improve future crisis management.
Wenstrup criticized Cuomo for disavowing knowledge of the directive and deflecting responsibility, suggesting a lack of leadership in addressing the nursing home crisis. The congressman reiterated the subcommittee's commitment to examining actions taken by all administrations to identify shortcomings and enhance preparedness for future emergencies.
As the subcommittee prepares for hearings on the nursing home advisory, Wenstrup extended an invitation to Governor Cuomo to address the issues raised and provide clarity on his administration's decisions. The congressman emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in evaluating government responses to public health crises.
