Learning the truth about COVID in N.Y.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference against a backdrop of medical supplies at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. | John Minchillo/AP Photo

In an opinion piece from the NY Daily News titled "Learning the truth about COVID in NY," the authors stress the urgent need for New York to conduct an independent review of its COVID-19 response. The article criticizes the current reliance on politicized investigations and calls for a truly impartial commission to examine the actions taken during the pandemic. This need arises from concerns over decisions such as the mandate requiring nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients, which coincided with a high number of resulting deaths.

The article highlights that while some in Washington are quick to use the pandemic for political gain, New York's leaders have yet to establish their own unbiased investigation. The authors, who are elected officials from areas heavily impacted by the pandemic, argue for transparency and accountability. They advocate for the establishment of the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Study Commission with subpoena power to ensure a comprehensive analysis. The commission would also hold public hearings and produce a detailed report, aiming to prevent future tragedies by learning from past missteps.

This call to action underscores the importance of looking beyond politics to protect public health and ensure that such a crisis is better managed in the future. The authors conclude by asserting that only a rigorous and independent inquiry can provide the answers needed to safeguard New Yorkers going forward.