April 17, 2020

Dr. Mitchel Katz, President
Health and Hospitals Corporation
125 Worth Street, Rm. 514
New York, NY 10013
Dear Dr. Katz:
We well understand that the pandemic has thrown the city’s entire health care system into a
“war” footing. Even so, we continue to be deeply concerned about the situation at Coler Hospital and
Nursing Home.
There have been numerous--and sometimes conflicting--accounts regarding PPE, staffing,
safety of patients, and nursing home residents as the new 350-bed facility comes on line. In particular,
there seems to have been a reversal in policy; after being assured that COVID patients would NOT be
admitted, there are reports that COVID patients are now housed at the hospital.
Assuming these reports are correct, can you please confirm the current numbers of COVID and
non-COVID patients admitted? Can you please briefly outline (or direct us to the guidelines you are
following) regarding the specific protocol for when a "persons of interest" is isolated and when they
are removed from the Color facilities to an ICU unit. We would like to know, in writing, when and
how families are notified about their loved ones.
Finally, given that the science about methods of transmission is limited and evolving, and the
Coler building may not have been constructed in an era of modern HVAC technology, we would like all
residents of the nursing home portion of the building tested once a week for COVID.
As you know, many of these patients are long-term residents and to assure them of their safety is
of paramount concern. Answers to these questions will go a long way toward reassuring us and informing
what actions must be taken going forward.
We believe that only when there is clarity, both in terms of testing and in our understanding of
protocols, can we begin to resolve issues at Coler.
Sincerely,

Gale A. Brewer
Manhattan Borough President

Rebecca A. Seawright
State Assemblywoman

José M. Serrano
State Senator