Nassau Standard

Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) stood alongside state and federal Minority representatives to demand an independent investigation into New York state’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of their call was the decision made by then-Governor Cuomo to house COVID-positive patients in nursing homes, a move that led to the deaths of over 15,000 individuals.

"Today marks four years since the unthinkable decision to place COVID-positive patients into nursing homes. New York's failure to conduct an independent investigation into the mishandling of the pandemic is unacceptable. Over 15,000 lives lost due to negligence cannot be brushed aside. It's time for transparency and justice. New Yorkers deserve answers and assurance that such grave errors won't be repeated,” said Brown.

Despite promises made in the past, New York has yet to initiate an independent and comprehensive audit to assess the state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. The lack of accountability and investigation has left many unanswered questions lingering among the public and the families affected by the tragic consequences of the nursing home policy.

The collective call for justice and transparency echoes the sentiment that the handling of the pandemic cannot be overlooked or swept under the rug. Brown emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that New Yorkers deserve clarity on the missteps that occurred and reassurance that similar mistakes will not be made in the future.

As the demand for accountability grows louder, the pressure mounts on state officials to address the failures in the COVID-19 response and to take necessary steps to prevent such errors from happening again. Brown's advocacy for a thorough investigation reflects the need for closure, understanding, and a commitment to learning from past mistakes.