New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo criticized the prioritization of coronavirus testing for healthy celebrities over vulnerable everyday citizens during a March interview on NBC’s “Today.” He labeled the practice as “100 percent wrong,” emphasizing the state’s limited testing capacity. Cuomo cited protocols requiring tests to be reserved for those most at risk due to high demand—New York’s population of 19.5 million would overwhelm testing resources if widely available.
The governor’s remarks followed reports of celebrities like Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant and influencer Arielle Charnas receiving tests despite mild or no symptoms. Cuomo condemned such preferential access, reiterating that young, healthy individuals should self-isolate rather than seek tests unless critically necessary. Limited testing availability, particularly in the U.S., has forced officials to prioritize high-risk cases, though Cuomo acknowledged unverified reports of wealthy or famous individuals bypassing these guidelines.