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Gov. John Bel Edwards activates over 94 Soldiers and Airmen in response to virus pandemic

4 years 1 month 1 week ago Wednesday, March 18 2020 Mar 18, 2020 March 18, 2020 7:38 AM March 18, 2020 in News
Source: WBRZ

NEW ORLEANS – According to the Louisiana Department of Health, 196 individuals are infected with novel coronavirus and local officials are continuing to respond with supportive measures meant to curtail its continued spread and to reduce its domino effect on financial and social health. 

On Tuesday, Governor John Bel Edwards activated over 94 Soldiers and Airmen so far, not to include full-time Guardsmen, to assist with the COVID-19 response. The number of Guardsmen activated and equipment utilized is anticipated to increase until the situation is stabilized.

The Louisiana National Guard has mobilized Guardsmen to support current operations, including medical support, engineering assessment support, shelter security, traffic control point support and provided liaison teams to Parish Emergency Operations Centers.

“Aside from our Guardsmen already responding, we are continuing to lean forward and plan for possible follow-on missions that we may be called upon to perform,” said Brig. Gen. D. Keith Waddell, adjutant general of the LANG. “As our missions develop and increase, today’s preparations will lead to tomorrow’s success.”

In order to assist civil authorities, the LANG is ensuring the health and safety of its Soldiers and Airmen. The LANG is actively taking steps to support health protection in order to maintain mission readiness, such as: limiting non mission-specific travel, educating and enforcing strict CDC-recommended hygiene measures, and monitoring Guardsmen’s temperature readings and overall health on a daily basis.

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