Assembly adopts resolution recognizing March 31 as COVID Survivors Day

The New York State Assembly on April 1 adopted a legislative resolution recognizing March 31, 2025, as COVID Survivors Day and invited survivors and family members to the floor for remarks.

Assemblymember Cruz introduced Assembly Resolution 288, calling March 31 a day to "recognize the survivors and honor those who lost loved ones in this devastating virus," and urged action on research, support services and equitable health care access. Cruz recounted the scale of loss: "We lost more than 79,000 New Yorkers to COVID-19," and said survivorship can mean "navigating financial burdens, health complications, and often in silence or disbelief." Cruz introduced named survivors who accompanied her to the chamber.

Several members shared personal experiences. Assemblymember Miller described his own hospitalization and recovery and thanked health care workers: "I spent two weeks on a ventilator. I spent 33 days in ICU." Assemblymember Chang described service at the Javits Center and work with the medical examiner and vaccine site during the pandemic. Assemblymember Reyes thanked the sponsor and said the resolution ensures those lost are "not forgotten."

The resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chair called the question: "On the resolution, all those in favor signify by saying aye." Members responded "Aye," and the chair announced, "The resolution is adopted." The clerk earlier had read the caption as "Assembly number 288, Miss Cruz. Legislative resolution recognizing 03/31/2025 as COVID survivors day."

Ending: Sponsors and members framed the resolution as both a commemoration and a call for continued support for survivors and research into long COVID effects.