Kathy Hochul.Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty
Newly sworn-in New York Gov.Kathy Hochuladded 12,000 COVID-19 deaths to the state’s count on Tuesday, saying that she wanted New Yorkers to have “transparency” after her predecessor,Andrew Cuomo, had not disclosed the additional deaths.
“The public deserves a clear, honest picture of what’s happening. And that’s whether it’s good or bad, they need to know the truth. And that’s how we restore confidence,” Hochulsaid on NPR.
The 12,000 newly reported deaths bring New York’s COVID-19 death tollup to 55,423as of Aug. 25. On Cuomo’s last day in office, he said the number of deaths was just over 43,000.
“There’s a lot of things that weren’t happening, and I’m going to make them happen. Transparency will be the hallmark of my administration,” Hochul said. “It’s not hard to do. You just get the information out there.”
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Cuomo resigned earlier this monthafter a report from James alleged that he had sexually harassed 11 women and created a toxic work environment during his time in office. He has denied any wrongdoing, and stepped down after the state legislature threatened to begin impeachment proceedings.
As of Aug. 26, New York is seeing an average of 4,401 new COVID-19 cases a day, according toThe New York Times, an increase from June and July, but still lower than the average from before vaccines were widely available. Currently, 79% of New Yorkers over age 18 are fully vaccinated.
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source: people.com
