Keeping the elderly safe from COVID-19 should be America's number one priority during this pandemic.  Not only are they the most vulnerable in contracting the virus, but are at the highest risk of dying once infected.  Unfortunately, despite Cuomo's dedication to seniors in Matilda's Law, he and fellow NY politicians passed a New York State mandate on March 26th requiring nursing homes to accept patients infected with COVID-19 despite pushback from the medical community.  Not only are positive COVID-19 patients going to infiltrate our weak and vulnerable population, but nursing homes are prohibited from requiring a hospitalized resident to be tested prior to admission or readmission back into the nursing home.  By not allowing testing, there is no way to know who is possibly infected.   Although some nursing homes may be able to create a make-shift area to isolate known COVID positive patients, most facilities have shared kitchen, laundering and nursing staff and often share a common entrance and/or elevator.  During a time that is stressing the value of each human life, it seems that NY politicians have just signed a death certificate for every senior citizen residing in a nursing home.    

There are visible, common sense solutions instead of jeopardizing the lives of our seniors!  In New York, there are multiple vacant government buildings as the state practices social distancing.  With all the available space elsewhere, it seems thoughtless, negligent and downright criminal for the state to expose our older, frail generation, who are completely helpless without many options, to this horrific deadly virus. 

We understand the need for alleviating hospital overcrowding during this crisis, but there are plenty of chronically ill, non-contagious patients that nursing facilities could and would welcome.  Governor Cuomo, we beg you to reconsider placing COVID-19 patients within our nursing homes, especially since you are such an advocate for the elderly as seen in your dedication to your mom and putting into effect Matilda's Law.  PLEASE HELP!!