Former New York state Health Commissioner, Howard Zucker, is set to face questioning from members of the House's Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic next week. The closed-door, transcribed interview comes as Congress seeks answers regarding the state's troubled handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

Zucker, who served as the health czar under former Governor Andrew Cuomo, will be specifically questioned about his role in a March 2020 order that compelled nursing homes in the Empire State to admit COVID-19 positive residents returning from hospitals. Furthermore, Zucker's mandate prohibited nursing homes from conducting virus tests on these returning residents.

Staten Island GOP Representative, Nicole Malliotakis, expressed her interest in understanding the reasoning behind the order and the availability of alternative options, such as the US Navy Comfort ship and the South Beach Psychiatric Center in Staten Island. She also questioned whether financial considerations influenced the decision-making process, asking about potential differences in reimbursements for individuals placed in hospitals versus nursing homes.

Critics have been quick to point out that Zucker faced no real consequences for the controversial order. In January, he was appointed as the deputy director for global health at the Centers for Disease Control by the Biden administration, prompting further scrutiny.

Janice Dean, a Fox News meteorologist and advocate for COVID-19 victims, expressed her hopes that Zucker would finally provide transparency and honesty in his testimony. Dean emphasized the importance of understanding the full truth behind Zucker's involvement in the mandate, stating that those affected by the decision deserve answers.

Zucker himself declined to comment on the upcoming interview.

The appearance of Howard Zucker before the Congressional subcommittee signifies a continued effort to seek accountability and gain clarity regarding New York's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The closed-door nature of the interview indicates the seriousness of the matter and the need for a thorough examination of the decisions made during this tumultuous period.