“We have collectively been screaming for months for an accurate count of the number of lives lost in nursing homes statewide, and at long last we are now provided with the incredibly damning report and findings of the Attorney General. I commend Attorney General James for conducting this critical investigation and for challenging the Department of Health’s self-produced report under the governor’s direction.

 "I am extremely disappointed that Dr. Zucker and the State Department of Health failed to provide this information sooner. I truly believe that the public would have been much more forgiving had the problem been met head-on, rather than the 'duck and cover' that we've seen.

“Contrary to the Department of Health’s report from July, the Attorney General found that the March directive which allowed nursing home residents to be admitted or readmitted to a facility despite the possibility of a COVID-19 diagnosis may have increased spread throughout these residencies. The report also indicates that nearly 13,000 nursing home residents statewide may have died as a result of COVID -19, which is 50% higher than the numbers previously provided.That is 13,000 anguished families who deserved answers long, long ago.I extend my most sincere condolences to each of these families for their loss – and in some heartbreaking cases, losses.

“I have been adamant in calling for the removal of Gov. Cuomo's emergency powers for months. If the Attorney General's report tells us anything, it's that it is time for members of the Legislature to be taken off the sidelines and able to be a part of the decisions that greatly impact the individuals who have put their trust into us as their representatives. Legislative authority and accountability must be restored.”