Goldman Questions Cuomo’s COVID-19 Nursing Home Directive
Congressman Dan Goldman is once again scrutinizing former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s management of the coronavirus pandemic. This comes as Goldman gears up for a potential primary challenge from one of Zoran Mamdani’s allies.
The congressman (D-Manhattan/Brooklyn) inquired with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about whether Cuomo’s contentious directive from March 25, 2020, which mandated nursing homes to accept patients recovering from COVID-19, aligns with federal guidelines or not.
“I seek clarification on whether this order was in line with federal public health guidelines at that time,” Goldman mentioned in a letter to acting CDC Director James O’Neill, which was reported by The Post. “This directive poses significant risks to residents.”
During the initial phase of the pandemic, over 15,000 nursing home residents in New York succumbed to COVID-19, though there was a drop in these numbers about six weeks later.
Goldman also pointed out in his letter that the directive prevents nursing homes from testing residents before they are admitted or readmitted.
The timing of his request seems peculiar with Goldman anticipating a competitive primary from City Comptroller Brad Lander, a fellow Democrat who stepped back from the recent mayoral race to endorse Mamdani, as the Socialist Party celebrated his landmark victory.
It’s also notable since Democrats on the House Select Subcommittee on the COVID-19 Pandemic have already published a report harshly condemning Cuomo for “interfering” with the tally of nursing home deaths and for downplaying fatalities by excluding those that occurred post-hospitalization.
Goldman referenced this report while seeking clearer answers.
“While those we lost cannot be brought back, we need to ensure accountability for their families,” Goldman wrote, requesting a CDC response by December 12.
Some experts contend Cuomo’s directives may have resulted in the deaths of thousands of elderly individuals.
A report from a Republican-led House committee went even further, describing Cuomo’s controversial order as “medical malpractice” and “contrary to known science,” while alleging an administration attempt to conceal the matter.
In defense of his actions, Cuomo, through a spokesperson, claimed that Goldman is engaging in political maneuvering amidst a pandemic, likely motivated by the forthcoming primary contest with Lander, who has Mamdani’s backing.
“The congressman, being a lawyer, should be aware that New York State’s independent after-action report concluded the Department of Health’s guidance was consistent with general standards,” stated Cuomo’s spokesperson, Richard Azzopardi. “It’s disappointing that primary politics have sunk to such a level, especially after Lander’s recent struggles.”
Back in December, Lander also reached out to health officials to assess whether Cuomo’s March 2020 order breached federal policies and guidelines.
The Post has contacted the CDC for commentary.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who oversees the CDC, happens to be Cuomo’s former brother-in-law.
Peter Arbeney, whose father, Norman, 89, passed away from the coronavirus after being admitted to a nursing home in Brooklyn, mentioned he persuaded Goldman to draft the letter.
The Arbeney family, along with others, has filed negligence lawsuits against Cuomo and various state officials regarding the nursing home policy, though these lawsuits have been dismissed twice in federal court.
