CNN backs host Chris Cuomo for seeking priority COVID-19 help from brother Andrew Cuomo

CNN defended anchor Chris Cuomo's decision to seek "advice and assistance" on COVID-19 from his brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), saying he, like anyone else, turned to anyone he could for help. 

"We generally do not get involved in the medical decisions of our employees," CNN spokesman Matt Dornic told The Washington Post Wednesday following reports that Chris Cuomo and other family members of Andrew Cuomo received priority COVID-19 testing last year. "However, it is not surprising that in the earliest days of a once-in-a-century global pandemic, when Chris was showing symptoms and was concerned about possible spread, he turned to anyone he could for advice and assistance, as any human being would." 

Chris Cuomo told CNN viewers a year ago that he had tested positive for COVID-19.

"You do not want this," he said.

Andrew Cuomo's regular press conferences during the early days of the pandemic increased his popularity nationally. He was also a frequent guest on his brother's CNN show, where they made jokes with each other on-air.

CNN reinstated a ban last month on Chris Cuomo being permitted to interview his brother.

Chris Cuomo said during his show on March 1 that he would not be reporting on the governor's sexual harassment allegations, which has led to accusations of hypocrisy as critics suggested it was improper for the CNN host to have his brother on his show during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, when polls viewed him favorably.