State Senate Republicans are calling for an independent investigation into the state’s handling of nursing homes during the pandemic.
Sen. Joe Griffo, whose district includes parts of Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties, says requiring nursing homes to take in residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 is irresponsible.
"The governor has acknowledged that COVID-19 could spread, to quote him, 'like fire through dry grass,' in a nursing home. So, the administration should be sensitive to this, keenly aware that this is a problem," Griffo said.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has pushed back on criticism of the state’s policy, saying it’s in line with CDC guidelines. At his daily briefing Thursday, Cuomo said if a nursing home can’t keep its residents safe, the state has beds available to do so.
"No nursing home should keep a person in that nursing home who they cannot provide adequate care. Period," Cuomo emphasized.
