A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo regarding his management of nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday. Families of deceased nursing home residents filed the lawsuit in early 2022, accusing Cuomo’s administration of underreporting fatalities.
Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, stated, “The debate over COVID in nursing homes has been distorted for political gain. However, the truth prevails when removed from politics. Today, the judge dismissed the case, consistent with previous decisions by the DOJ and Manhattan district attorney. Justice has prevailed once again.”
Initially praised during the pandemic, Cuomo’s reputation was damaged when it was revealed his administration had provided an incomplete death toll from nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Cuomo resigned in August 2021 following sexual harassment allegations, which he denies.
COVID lawsuit filed against Cuomo by Peter Arbeeny @empirecenter & Janice Dean’s husband (SeanNewman) dismissed. @DanClarkReports @NickReisman @JonCampbellNY @ccampy @bern_hogan @jaketapper pic.twitter.com/9KEAUr1B6G
— Facts Matter (@LauHope) September 30, 2024
In June, Cuomo testified before a subcommittee behind closed doors. Former senior officials from his administration were also interviewed during the investigation. A separate report commissioned by his successor, Governor Kathy Hochul, released this summer, indicated that although COVID-19 policies in nursing homes were “rushed and uncoordinated,” they were based on the best scientific knowledge available at the time.
Cuomo faced intense questioning from Republican lawmakers earlier this month during a congressional subcommittee hearing. Republicans focused on a directive issued by Cuomo’s administration in March 2020, which prohibited nursing homes from rejecting patients solely because they had COVID-19. Over 9,000 recovering COVID-19 patients were transferred from hospitals to nursing homes under this directive, which was later rescinded amid concerns it may have exacerbated outbreaks.
Cuomo defended his decisions, attributing the situation to the former Trump administration’s failure to provide adequate testing and personal protective equipment at the pandemic’s onset. Cuomo stated, “These diversions aim to blame New York and other states for the federal response’s failures, which amounted to malpractice.”
A House committee report did not address whether many patients discharged from hospitals were still contagious or if they transmitted the virus to other residents upon readmission to nursing homes. Cuomo told the panel the report lacked evidence to support claims that the directive contributed to the virus’s spread.
Approximately 15,000 COVID-19 deaths occurred among long-term care residents in New York, a number significantly higher than initially reported. Cuomo noted some figures were withheld initially due to concerns over accuracy.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CBS News New York reports on a federal judge dismissing a wrongful death lawsuit against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo over COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, a decision Daniel Arbeeny vows to appeal.(read more)
- CBS6 Albany reports a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against former Governor Andrew Cuomo for pandemic-era nursing home deaths, citing lack of evidence and political maneuvering.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was the lawsuit against Andrew Cuomo dismissed?
A federal judge dismissed the case, aligning with previous DOJ and Manhattan DA decisions.
What were the allegations in the lawsuit against Cuomo?
Families accused Cuomo of undercounting COVID-19 fatalities in nursing homes.
Why did Cuomo resign as governor?
He resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, which he denies.
What did the state report commissioned by Gov. Kathy Hochul find?
The report found nursing home policies were rushed and uncoordinated but based on the best science available at the time.
What was the controversial directive issued by Cuomo’s administration in March 2020?
It barred nursing homes from refusing COVID-19 patients, which was later rescinded amid outbreak concerns.
