Lawmakers and advocates are demanding the release of a long-awaited $4.3 million pandemic review in the state of New York, citing concerns about future outbreaks. The year-long study, which commenced in November 2022 and concluded last November, aimed to assess the policies and decisions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on nursing homes. Despite the selection of the Olson Group from Virginia—based on their lack of involvement in advising the previous Cuomo administration—Republican State Senator Jim Tedisco is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to make the results public. Sen. Tedisco argues that access to this information is crucial for better preparedness in case another pandemic strikes.
Looking back, Sen. Tedisco reflects, We deserve that information, the family members deserve that information, the information on what went wrong, and who is culpable in all this devastation, why weren’t we prepared better? His concerns extend to the future, emphasizing the need for alternative solutions: What’s going to happen when a whole bunch of compromised seniors get one of these viruses again, where are we going to put them, other than back into a nursing home? Do we have places that we have designated already when people get sick from a virus like COVID?
Governor Hochul shares the growing frustration surrounding the delayed release of the report, stating, I’m very frustrated by the pace, I’ve wanted this before, but absolutely will be released to the public when it’s done. We’re staying on top of it, we’re pushing, and I’m told it’s going to be—I won’t even give a date—but we’re told it shouldn’t be too far out. But I keep asking all the time, the same question.
It’s essential to address the gravity of the situation, as New York saw approximately 15,000 nursing home residents lose their lives due to COVID-19. Consequently, advocates have been urging the state to reconsider its investment in these facilities. Governor Hochul plans to unveil her 2025 budget on Tuesday, potentially offering insights into any proposed changes.
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