Dr. Howard Zucker Resigns; Health Care Worker Mandate Looms

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Dr. Howard Zucker, the New York commissioner of health who led the fight against the coronavirus in the administration of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, submitted his letter of resignation.

In his letter to the governor, Zucker thanked the people of New York for letting him serve as commissioner for many years.

"We often hear the words — it has been a true privilege to serve the people of the state — I take that maxim to heart," he wrote. "For there is nothing more precious than brightening tomorrow by improving the lives of people today."

Gov. Kathy Hochul said during her news conference Thursday that she agreed with Zucker's decision to resign and thanked him for his service.

She said he agreed to stay on until the position is filled.

Hochul had made it clear from the moment she took office that she was looking to build a new team and was going to take her time to do so. She did not respond to a question about whether she had anyone in mind to replace Zucker.

The health commissioner's resignation was only part of Hochul's news conference.

She also spoke about 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," she 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.