Dr. Howard Zucker Resigns; Gov. Talks Healthcare Vaxx Mandate

LONG ISLAND, NY — Dr. Howard Zucker, the New York State Commissioner Of Health who led the fight against the coronavirus alongside former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, has resigned.

Gov. Kathy Hochul made the announcement Thursday as she also discussed the vaccination mandate for healthcare workers, which goes into effect Monday, sparking some concerns about a potential shortage of workers in hospitals statewide.

Hochul said deployment programs are being discussed with the Department of State, should healthcare workers be needed. Conversations are being held about freeing up the visa system to allow temporary workers from the Philippines, and even Ireland, Hochul said. The licensing requirements for allowing out-of-state healthcare workers need to be discussed because Hochul no longer has the authority conferred on Cuomo last year under the emergency declaration, she said.

But, she added: "This can be 100 percent averted. . .We have a life-saving vaccination that people are clamoring for in other parts of the world. Shame on us if we don't take advantage of it."

Hochul asked healthcare workers, who have dedicated their lives to helping the vulnerable and sick, to get vaccinated. She also thanked the 84 percent of healthcare workers statewide who have been vaccinated so far."God bless you. Thank you for doing what you know is right," Hochul said, adding that patients in the hospital should not have to worry about contracting COVID-19 from those charged with protecting their help.

"What is looming for Monday is completely avoidable," Hochul said. "No excuses."

Monday, she said, "is not going to be perfect but it can be, if we get the hold-outs" to reconsider. Hochul is working with the unions to iron out the details of how those who show up to work Monday unvaccinated will be handled.

Of Dr. Zucker's resignation, Hochul said she'd made it clear from the moment she took office that she was looking to build a new team and was taking her time to do so.

Hochul also announced a new sweepstakes involving the Buffalo Bills, Giants, and Jets, where people vaccinated between Sept. 9 and October 25 can enter a weekly drawing to win game tickets, Facetime calls with alumni players, VIP in-game experiences, and signed gear.