Albany, N.Y. - New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker will be stepping down from his position after nearly seven-and-a-half years on the job.
Governor Kathy Hochul says she agrees with his decision and went on to thank him for his service on behalf of the state.
Hochul noted Dr. Zucker's hard work throughout the pandemic and says he now has other opportunities he plans to pursue.
The governor reports that Dr. Zucker will remain in his position until his replacement can be found.
Zucker has taken a lot of heat for his handling of the COVID crisis and the forcing of nursing homes to accept COVID patients from hospitals.
Over 15,800 people living in nursing homes and other long-term care homes in New York have died of COVID-19, according to the state this year.