Senator Gallivan Calls for an Update on Status of COVID-19 Review

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) joined Minority Conference members from the Senate and Assembly, and others, in renewing their call for the long-awaited independent review of New York State’s COVID response. Despite commitments from the Hochul Administration to conduct an investigation, outside consultant Virginia-based The Olson Group, Ltd., has yet to issue its findings and recommendations.

"In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the governor’s office and the Health Department issued hundreds of mandates and Executive Orders impacting not only nursing home patients but residents, businesses, and schools,” said Senator Gallivan, ranking member of the Senate Health Committee.  “At a cost of more than $4 million, one would expect this comprehensive review to be completed in a timely manner, as promised.  The review of the state’s policies and procedures is critical to determining how the state should respond to future public health emergencies.  It is time for the Olson Group and the governor’s office to provide an update.  The Legislature and the residents of NYS deserve it."

In a letter to the commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Senator Gallivan asked for an update on the release of the study, which was commissioned by the Department in January 2023.

Minority members of the Senate and Assembly have repeatedly requested legislative hearings equipped with subpoena power to seek answers and provide accountability for the families who lost loved ones during the pandemic.

This week marks the fourth anniversary of the Department of Health (DOH) directive that forced nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients. Almost 15,000 COVID deaths were recorded in long-term care facilities alone.

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