BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG) - New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is accusing Republicans of playing politics as they push to examine his administration's handling of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes.
Thousands of COVID-19 related deaths in New Yorkhave been in nursing homes and adult care facilities. The New York Senate Republican Conference wants an independent investigation.
"We know that allowing COVID into a nursing home is an invitation for it to spread, and we need to make sure that we take necessary steps to protect residents," Senate Republican Leader John Flanagan said in a statement. "We also believe that an independent investigation into the state’s actions is warranted to make sure that the tragic deaths at these nursing homes never occur again."
Speaking in Syracuse on Thursday, Cuomo downplayed the GOP effort.
“I would like to say that we are enlightened enough where this is going to be a period where we don’t play gratuitous politics, but everybody makes their own decision,” he said.
This week, Cuomo said nursing homes that don’t follow state guidelines could lose their licenses. He says the state will help any facility that needs supplies.