Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is set to testify publicly before Congress regarding his controversial nursing home advisory during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sources have indicated that Cuomo is expected to appear before the House Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic next week.
Cuomo previously testified behind closed doors before the same panel in June. His upcoming public testimony on September 10 will address questions surrounding the handling of Covid-19 in nursing homes and the reporting of related deaths.
A spokesperson for Cuomo, Rich Azzopardi, emphasized the importance of understanding why the United States experienced a high number of Covid-19 deaths and how to prevent such a situation in the future. Cuomo's testimony aims to shed light on these critical issues.
An investigation conducted by New York Attorney General Letitia James in 2021 revealed that the state's Department of Health had undercounted Covid-19 deaths among nursing home residents by approximately 50%. A subsequent audit in 2022 by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli highlighted further discrepancies in death reporting.
Cuomo has defended his advisory, stating that it aligned with guidance from federal health agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Rep. Brad Wenstrup, the House panel chair, expressed concerns about Cuomo's directive that prohibited nursing homes from refusing Covid-19 positive patients. Wenstrup, a medical professional, questioned the rationale behind such a decision, citing the risks posed to vulnerable residents.
Cuomo, who served as governor for nearly three terms, resigned in August 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment. Despite denying the accusations, Cuomo's tenure continues to be scrutinized, with his upcoming congressional testimony adding another chapter to the ongoing investigations.
