Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Dissatisfied with the pace of the federal vaccine rollout, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says the state will step in. He's also concerned about hospitals not distributing vaccines in a timely manner.
Cuomo said the federal program to vaccinate nursing home residents and staff is also going too slowly — with 47% of 611 nursing homes having completed their first round of doses for residents. Cuomo said the state is speeding up that program to give another 234 residents their first dose this week. "We are going to supplement that federal program," says Cuomo. He says that will increase the total to 85 percent of nursing homes getting the vaccine this week.
Gov. Cuomo Holds Press BriefingIn Albany holding a COVID briefing. Watch live:
Posted by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday, January 4, 2021
The Greenfields began vaccinations last week. "We started at the Greenfields Health and Rehabiliation Center," says Chris Koenig who noted an excellent turnout. "We have had many declinations from residents or patients. For the most part, everyone is getting the vaccine. Staff wise, a large percentage, so a good turnout," says Koenig.
Koenig says he's waiting for word on other facilities. "We're waiting on assisted living facilities. We're patiently waiting to find out when Walgreens will come to Greenfields Terrance and Greenfields Court. We have two clinics left at Greenfields Health and Rehab," says Koenig who says 58 percent of staff and patients were vaccinated in the first round of clinics. "We still have a ways to go, but it's good to see some movement," says Koenig. He says the earliest the first clinics can be completed will be mid-February.
Cuomo also out with a warning to hospitals who are slow on the draw in distributing vaccines. He's warning hospitals that don't administer all of the vaccines they received from the state by the end of this week risk a fine of up to $100,000 and may not receive future shipments of the vaccine.
There is some good news, as ECMC is among the top hospitals in the state in expeditiously distributing the vaccine.
ECMC tells WBEN it has now distributed 72 percent of its allotted vaccine and plans to complete distribution by the end of this week.
