A lawsuit against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo regarding his handling of nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic was dismissed by a federal judge. Families of individuals who died in nursing homes due to COVID-19 filed the lawsuit in 2022, accusing Cuomo’s administration of undercounting fatalities. Cuomo’s spokesperson stated that the truth prevailed as the Department of Justice and the Manhattan district attorney had also dismissed similar cases. Cuomo faced criticism for releasing incomplete death counts from nursing homes during the pandemic, leading to a tarnishing of his reputation. He resigned in August 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations that he denies.
A state report commissioned by Cuomo’s successor, Governor Kathy Hochul, concluded that policies for handling COVID-19 in nursing homes were rushed and uncoordinated but were based on the best scientific understanding at the time. Cuomo and other former administration officials testified before a congressional subcommittee but faced backlash from Republican lawmakers for a directive issued in 2020 that initially prohibited nursing homes from turning down COVID-19 patients. More than 9,000 recovering coronavirus patients were released into nursing homes under this directive, prompting speculation that it may have accelerated outbreaks. Cuomo defended his actions and blamed the federal government for a lack of testing and personal protective equipment.
During a congressional subcommittee hearing, Cuomo disputed allegations that the directive contributed to the spread of the virus. A House committee report did not address whether patients discharged from hospitals were still contagious when readmitted to nursing homes and if they subsequently spread the virus to others. Approximately 15,000 COVID-19 deaths occurred among long-term care residents in New York, a figure significantly higher than initially reported. Cuomo acknowledged that some data was withheld initially due to concerns about accuracy. The controversy surrounding Cuomo’s handling of nursing home deaths during the pandemic has been a contentious issue.
Despite the dismissal of the lawsuit against Cuomo, questions and criticisms persist regarding his administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in nursing homes. Cuomo’s tenure as governor was marked by both praise and condemnation for his handling of the crisis. The contradictory narratives surrounding Cuomo’s actions during the pandemic have led to further scrutiny and calls for accountability. The ongoing debate over the accountability and transparency of the Cuomo administration’s response to the pandemic continues to generate controversy. Cuomo’s resignation and the subsequent legal battles have further fueled discussion about government leadership during times of crisis and the need for transparency in reporting critical data.
