Hochul Promises No 'Micromanaging' In Local Fights Against COVID

NEW YORK, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul promised New York's escalating fight against the delta variant will be different than the early days of the pandemic, when local-versus-state government clashes became a staple of COVID-19 policies.

Such a shift likely will be music to the ears of New York City officials such as Mayor Bill de Blasio, who spent months chafing under heavy-handed dictates by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Hochul — who officially took the reigns from Cuomo last week — promised Tuesday to take on a "different philosophy" to managing localities than was used in last year's fight against the virus, vowing specifically not to step on the toes of local officials.

"I will not be micromanaging, but I'll be giving guidance based on your input," Hochul told a room of local officials in Buffalo. "...Tell us where there's gaps, tell us where something can be enhanced by the state, and we'll be there without stepping on the local public health agencies."

The promise is Hochul's latest not-so-veiled move to distance herself from the disgraced former governor, who is resigning after a sexual harassment scandal.

It's also a sign there will be fewer public clashes between state and city officials like those between Cuomo and de Blasio.

De Blasio has not been shy about his jubilance in Hochul, and her leadership style, taking over the state. By his telling, Cuomo's bullying, vindictive nature harmed New York City in the early days of the coronavirus crisis.

Hochul credited her experience during those early days for her new approach as governor.

"One of the takeaways I had from being in the trenches...was that I understand there is a role for state government and there is a role for local governments," she said Tuesday.

Tuesday's address came with the announcement that the state will give $65 million to local health departments to help administer third vaccine doses, which the federal government is expected to advise as early as September.

The fight against the delta variant will also include ongoing efforts to increase the state's vaccination rate, specifically among 12 to 17 year olds, and potential vaccine-or-test mandates for school staff and healthcare workers, Hochul said.

New York City already has mandated vaccinations for its public healthcare and school employees.

"We will get through this together," she said. "We know the recipe. We know how to get this done."