NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital is currently under investigation by the state Department of Health for disregarding protocol for the distribution of the COVID vaccine.
The DOH on Friday announced it would take away the vaccine supply from the hospital and impose a fine after it began vaccinating school and city employees currently ineligible to receive it.
"DOH is investigating this egregious violation of the state's clearly defined guidelines for the COVID-19 vaccine," said Jonah Bruno, the DOH's Director of Public Information. "As we've said repeatedly, current eligibility for the vaccine is limited to health care and hospital workers, seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and people with disabilities living in congregate settings. The facility is facing potential sanctions and penalties for these violations and its vaccine supply will be reallocated to the County Health Department."
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday announced that the state will start allowing Phase 1B residents to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations next week amid a vast expansion of the state's distribution network.
Up. to that point, only certified EMS responders, health care workers, and nursing residents, and staff are eligible for the vaccination under the state's current 1A criteria.
According to New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, vaccinations were made available to City and School District employees after Montefiore misinterpreted State guidelines.
"We were informed by Montefiore New Rochelle that, at the State's direction, vaccines would be made available to City and School District employees, and we began a rollout on that basis," Bramson nsaid. We subsequently learned that Montefiore misinterpreted State guidelines and, therefore, vaccination of City and School District employees has been suspended, except for Fire Fighters who are eligible for the vaccine as EMTs. New Rochelle will continue to adhere rigorously to State directives and standards."
While on WNYC's The Brian Lehrer Show Friday, de Blasio said that the state's handling of Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital was "punitive" and "counterproductive".
"The city of New Rochelle…just proceeded to vaccinate first responders and essential workers, and the state of New York announced that they are fining the city and taking away their vaccine, which is punitive," de Blasio said. "The state has to relent here—they've created a situation that's creating fear and confusion, and where doctors can't act even when they know someone's vulnerable."
