New York’s Pandemic Response History
Four years back, New York City found itself at the mercy of the novel COVID-19 virus. During that period, awards were shared, and searing losses were experienced with the death toll reaching 83,352 as of the previous week. To handle the crisis, various task forces, panels, committees, and working groups, totaling 20, were set up by the then governor and mayor.
While some of these groups became stagnant and others produced reports and recommendations, the question remains whether the reports were seriously considered. What remains clear is the necessity for a legally constituted commission permitted by the Legislature to make a precise record of the events, successes, and failures.
An Assessment of COVID-19 Responses
On Monday, a major player in the national COVID effort, Dr. Tony Fauci, testified before a House committee concerning the pandemic. Future appearances include former governor Andrew Cuomo, who will testify next week regarding his leadership over New York, particularly the nursing home controversy in the early weeks.
As the Legislature’s 2024 session draws to a close, lawmakers led by Gov. Hochul should pass a bill to launch a state COVID-19 pandemic response study commission. The commission should consist of 16 members, divided equally between the governor’s and the Legislature’s appointees. Its duty would be to hear testimonies, providing New Yorkers affected by the tragedy an opportunity to be heard.
Commission’s Mandate Includes Overall COVID Response
Overall, the commission would cover the entire state COVID response, from medical equipment availability to lockdowns, restrictions, medical facilities operation, and vaccine programs. It is also expected to create a draft report and a final one.
Vital questions include when and where the virus was first detected. It’s also crucial to evaluate if the existing syndromic surveillance systems were effective. Given the severity of COVID’s medical, social, and economic impacts, a comprehensive account is necessary.
Gov. Hochul Urged to Pass the Bill
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas and state Sen. Julia Salazar are co-sponsoring the bill and argue that only an independent commission can ensure a factual and objective evaluation. Full subpoena power would guarantee a complete and thorough investigation.
The two wrote: “If we let the COVID-19 history to remain unexamined, we have failed to take every possible step to protect New Yorkers from future similar tragedies.”
Gov. Hochul has already ordered a review by an external firm, but this does not have the authority to subpoena and lacks the credibility and power of a government commission. Hence, Gov. Hochul is urged to convince Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to pass the bill.
Preparedness for Future Crises
Looking back, it’s hard to believe that such a calamity could hit the world’s largest city along with the state at large. However, it happened, signifying the need to prepare for the future. The formation of this commission would signify an important step towards future readiness against such crises.