New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said a Justice Department probe into COVID-19 related deaths at the state’s nursing home is politically motivated. But he said he will comply.
The probe will include examining a March 25 directive from Cuomo that required nursing homes to readmit residents who had been infected with COVID-19 when they were discharged from the hospitals. Critics say that led to unnecessary deaths in the homes.
Cuomo said 14 other states had similar rules, but only four states, all led by Democrats, are the subject of the probe. He said it’s all “partisan poliltics” and he does not trust the attorney general appointed by Trump, William Barr.
“Mr. Barr cannot spell the word 'justice,'” Cuomo said. “He doesn’t even feign to be impartial.”
New York State lawmakers have also asked for more information regarding the nursing home directive, which was rescinded in mid May, including the number of nursing home patients who died while they were in the hospital. Cuomo’s health commissioner says he does not yet have that data compiled.
