Friend: AG’s Report Confirms Heartbreaking Truth About NYS Nursing Homes During Pandemic

Statement from Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) on the report from Attorney General Leticia James on the underreporting of nursing home deaths by the Department of Health

“Attorney General James’ investigation confirms a fear many of us held - that COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes were far greater in number than what was being reported by the governor and the DOH. This makes an altogether heartbreaking tragedy all the worse. The public was lied to. There was zero transparency, and efforts to prevent further loss were not undertaken. The governor’s emergency powers must be stripped from him and the Legislature must step in to provide oversight of the ongoing pandemic response, especially the vaccine roll out. What a sad revelation today.”