RI Remobilizes National Guard As COVID-19 Cases Surge

Cranston RI

04 January, 2022

3:37 PM

Description

PROVIDENCE, RI — As Rhode Island grapples with another massive surge in COVID-19 cases, Gov. Dan McKee announced Tuesday that help was on the way to the state's thin-stretched health care system. Approximately 180 members of the National Guard were remobilized to assist in the pandemic response effort. The National Guard members will help staff vaccine administration and testing sites, much-needed relief as demand rises, particularly for testing appointments. On Tuesday, McKee also toured the emergency department of Rhode Island Hospital, meeting with health care workers on the front lines. Members of the National Guard will also be used in hospitals to address ongoing staffing shortages. "Our team is finalizing operational plans for the National Guard to provide support to hospitals in cooperation with their facility leadership," McKee said. "Thank you to the Guard for consistently stepping up to support Rhode Island's COVID-19 response." Related: RI's COVID-19 Cases Explode In Another Record-Setting Week