“The governor previously said nursing homes are ‘ground zero’ for this virus. In other states, nursing home deaths account for about half of all COVID-19 deaths (Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, among others). The governor compared the risk of spread in nursing homes to ‘fire through dry grass.’

“Although the governor adamantly spoke about the dire impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes, his actions did not match his words. If he was aware of the devastation COVID-19 would have on nursing homes and our senior citizens, then why did he mandate that nursing homes accept COVID-19 positive residents?

“I join my legislative colleagues who have called for a public hearing regarding nursing homes, so we can gather the data and learn what we can do moving forward. We now know the virus will be with us for a while. We can't wait until this is over to hold hearings. We need to take action now.

“Family members who have loved ones in nursing homes, and the residents themselves, have a right to know what is happening. It’s the least we can do for them. We only have to look at Shaker Place and Teresian House in Albany County for local examples of the heartbreaking reality that is happening in and around our communities.”

On March 25, the Department of Health issued an advisory to nursing homes stating, ‘No resident shall be denied re-admission or admission to the NH solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19. NHs are prohibited from requiring a hospitalized resident who is determined medically stable to be tested for COVID-19 prior to admission or readmission.’