NEW YORK — New York State Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker has submitted his resignation, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday.
Zucker, who was appointed to his position by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2015, will remain in the role until the position is filled, Hochul announced at a news briefing Thursday morning.
Hochul didn't immediately say who she planned to appoint as Zucker's replacement.
“Dr. Zucker has submitted his resignation, our Commissioner of Health. I agree with his decision,” she said. “He has been a dedicated public servant for over seven and a half years.”
“He worked hard through the pandemic, and I want to thank him for his service on behalf of the people of this state,” she added.
The commissioner, who appeared alongside Cuomo at many of his pandemic briefings, previously came under fire for his role in the former governor's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes across the state.
Zucker had defended a policy, which was later rescinded, that required nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients. Nearly 16,000 nursing home patients have died of COVID in New York.
Vivian Zayas became an advocate after her mother died of COVID at a rehab facility. She thinks this is long overdue.
"He was responsible for excuting the policies of Gov. Cuomo and was in charge," Zayas said.
She believes resignation is not accountability and still wants answers.
While Hochul didn't address Zucker's connection to Cuomo or mention her predecessor at the briefing, she noted that the commissioner "understands that in this time I’ve wanted to take the first 45 days to assemble a new team going forward.”
“That process is ongoing, and he understands, and he respects that, and he also has an opportunity to move on to new ventures and I appreciate him and his service," she said.
In a statement, New York Attorney General said Zucker's resignation "marks the end of a difficult chapter for our state."
“While I thank him for his service, we need more transparency and accountability at the Department of Health as we continue to battle COVID-19," James said. "I look forward to working with the next health commissioner, who must safeguard the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable, and must do so with openness and great care.”
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