Nassau Standard

Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick issued a statement on the 4-year anniversary of the deadly COVID nursing home order, reflecting on the tragic consequences of the decision made during the pandemic. The Senator expressed profound concern over the lack of accountability and closure for the affected families.

"It has been 4 years since the executive order that placed COVID-positive patients into nursing homes, which caused a disastrous ripple effect that led to the death of thousands of senior citizens — and kicked off a devastating, traumatic saga for surviving family members," stated Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

Highlighting the emotional toll of the directive, the Senator emphasized, "Let us never forget that New Yorkers were not allowed to visit, much less properly grieve, their deceased loved ones." The unresolved nature of the situation was also underscored, with Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick noting, "To this day — four years later — we are STILL waiting for the results of the investigation."

Expressing disappointment in the lack of accountability, the Senator remarked, "Across two administrations, there has been no accountability for the deadly mistakes that were made." The commitment to seeking justice for the affected families was reiterated, with Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick stating, "Grieving relatives will not forget the devastation that was unduly placed upon their families, and we as legislators will not rest until the deceased and their families are given justice."

As the 4-year mark since the troubling order is observed, the call for transparency and closure in addressing the repercussions of the decision remains a priority for Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.