COVID-19 UPDATE: Florida National Guard Responds to Needs of the State, Protecting Citizens

By  //  April 3, 2020

Florida National Guard has 1,555 Guardsmen on State Active Duty in support of COVID-19 response

The Florida National Guard (FLNG), under the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is responding to the needs of the state alongside our interagency partners, helping to protect citizens and guests throughout this crisis. (Florida National Guard image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Florida National Guard (FLNG), under the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is responding to the needs of the state alongside our interagency partners, helping to protect citizens and guests throughout this crisis.

The Florida National Guard has 1,555 Guardsmen on State Active Duty in support of Florida’s COVID-19 response, and are operating five Community Based Testing Sites (CBTS) that have administered 17,027 sample collections to date.

The C.B. Smith Park CBTS in Broward county has administered 7,112 sample collections since operations began there.

The Hard Rock Stadium CBTS in Miami-Dade county has administered 6,517 sample collections since operations began there.

The Marlins Park CBTS in Miami-Dade county has administered 1,568 sample collections.

Orange County Convention Center in Orange county has administered 1,830 sample collections.

The Palm Beach Site in Palm Beach county has administered 255 sample collections.

Additionally, the FLNG is supporting airport screening operations in support of the Florida Department of Health at seven airports: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Tampa International Airport (TPA), Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).

The FLNG Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen are also mobilized in support of the State Logistics Readiness Center (SLRC) in central Florida, ensuring needed supplies are getting to the right place at the right time across the state.

Additionally, FLNG members are working in the State Emergency Operations Center and local emergency management offices across the state, serving as liaisons, ensuring local authorities understand the capabilities and equipment of the FLNG.

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As this crisis continues, the Florida National Guard will maintain a ready force across the state for a variety of missions to include medical support and distribution of necessary commodities.

It is important that everyone follow the guidance put out by the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information about COVID-19 and the State of Florida’s response, CLICK HERE.

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