From Roundup Newswires Publisher Brian Harrod: GOV TO WESTCHESTER: Governor Andrew Cuomo says that Westchester Medical Center is a “public hospital,” and that “I need those public officials to step in and manage those systems.

GOV TO WESTCHESTER: Governor Andrew Cuomo says that Westchester Medical Center is a “public hospital,” and that “I need those public officials to step in and manage those systems.:

ANDREW CUOMO: "You have the allocation, we want it in people’s arms as soon as possible. New York State Department of Health sent out a letter yesterday to all hospitals that said if you don’t use the allocation by the end of this week, the allocation you’ve received, by the end of this week, you can be fined and you won’t receive further allocations. Gov. Andrew Cuomo added "We’ll use other hospitals who can administer it better. It also says from the day you receive the allocation you have seven days to use that allocation. This is a very serious public health issue and Department of Health Commissioner Zucker is very firm about making sure the hospitals step up and deliver here. So, any provider who does not use the vaccine could be fined up to $100,000." #WestchesterCounty Executive George Latimer responded, saying “Up to this point, the county executives have had no control over the hospitals. At this point forward, if we’re going to be given authority to act with power and force, we will act with power and force. CE #GeorgeLatimer added,"I take my responsibilities as County Executive very seriously and I welcome any additional responsibility if it helps us effectively distribute the vaccines to our residents." The County Government does not have ‘authority’ over the Westchester Medical Center (WMC); it is ably run by Michael Israel and the Board of Directors of #WMC. It is a private hospital. However, WMC was once part of County government over 20 years ago, with its own leadership team and structure. Latimer says that he spoken with leadership of the #WestchesterMedicalCenter and is prepared to move forward vigorously and make sure the supply of vaccines are administered. COVID cases in #Westchester have increased by more than 1,400 in the last week. https://www.facebook.com/groups/482457238523243/permalink/3120211018081172/ Photo By Brian Harrod - RoundupNewswires.com