The Wisconsin National Guard has called up soldiers to active duty in anticipation of deployment to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.
The mobilization of 300 troops is to prepare for potential requests from state agencies or communities for help with the pandemic, the National Guard said in a press release Thursday.
“We are working hand-in-hand with our partners across state government to ensure our forces are postured and ready to respond to anticipated requests for assistance,” Col. Eric Leckel, the director of domestic operations for the Wisconsin National Guard said. “Serving our state during times of emergency is one of our core missions in the National Guard, and we stand ready to assist the state with whatever it may ask of us.”
The Guard said it also "brought on additional planners, logisticians, and command and control elements" to prepare for deployments around the state.
Missions could include helping with logistics, planning, testing for the coronavirus, providing medical professionals "and more."
Gov. Tony Evers 'emergency declaration last weekcleared the way for the guard's involvement should it prove needed.
To read more go to WKOW https://wkow.com/2020/03/19/300-national-guard-troops-called-to-active-duty-amid-covid-19-pandemic-response/