The New York General Assembly committee that’s holding an impeachment inquiry into New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) will look at reports that the governor’s family and allies jumped the line for priority COVID-19 testing in the early stage of the pandemic.
“Everything brought to the committee’s attention is going to be considered and investigated,” Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D), the committee chair, told the New York Times on Thursday. “I will only say inquiries have been made. We’re paying attention to it and will act accordingly.”
However, the inquiry will still focus on the accusations of sexual misconduct against Cuomo and his administration’s alleged cover-up of the true extent of COVID-19 deaths among nursing home residents, according to Lavine.
The Times Union, Washington Post, and New York Times reported on Wednesday that Cuomo ordered health officials to conduct speedy COVID-19 tests for his brother, aka CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, mother, and at least one sister in March last year, when testing access was inaccessible for most New Yorkers. Preferential treatment for testing was also reportedly offered to powerful Cuomo allies and VIPs.
The Times also reported on Thursday that George Yancopoulos, the president of pharmaceutical company Regeneron and longtime friend to Cuomo, received priority testing as well.
