Some Republicans are furious Gov. Andrew Cuomo is giving recovering drug addicts who live in residential rehabilitation facilities priority for COVID-19 vaccinations, reports Business Insider.
“The Worst Governor in America streak continues,” Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., tweeted Monday after Cuomo made the announcement.
“This time prioritizing vaccines for drug addicts over tens of thousands of seniors who have been home bound since the start of the pandemic. An absolute disgrace.”
Cuomo “is once again failing the people of New York,” tweeted Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. “We should be making sure senior citizens, those most vulnerable, and Americans on the front lines combating this virus get priority for the vaccine.”
In addition to urgent care center employees and “individuals who are administering the COVID-19 vaccines, for obvious reasons,” Cuomo on Monday during a press conference said vaccination shots would be given to residents of “OASAS” — the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
OASAS runs 12 treatment centers across the state.
“These are congregate facilities. Congregate facilities are problematic. That’s where you have a lot of people in concentration,” Cuomo said.
“Nursing homes are obviously the most problematic because they’re congregate plus older, vulnerable people. OASAS facilities, what we call the O facilities, they’re congregate — not necessarily older — but congregate facilities.”
A spokesperson for the governor’s office told Fox News nursing home residents would still be receiving the vaccine.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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