How the ME National Guard is Helping with the COVID-19 Response

As with everything else these days, it's important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the Maine National Guard's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FACT: Maine's weekend warriors built a triage unit outside the Togus VA Hospital, so patients can be seen by medical professionals, without having to enter the building. The tent looks like a modern version of M*A*S*H, and will help the hospital staff protect the Veterans inside from possible exposure to COVID-19. They also provided an HVAC unit to keep the facility comfortable.

FICTION: A meme currently circulating on social media that claims the Department of Homeland Security is about to mobilize the National Guard.

FACT: Six National Guard members this week assisted the Maine Emergency Management Agency and Maine CDC with taking an inventory of medical supplies. Staying ahead of these numbers will be crucial when the disease hits its peak in Maine, to ensure proper medical care, but also to protect the healthcare workers.

FACT: The National Guard has provided respirators to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and the Portland Fire Department.

"The Maine National Guard is postured to provide additional support as directed by the governor," said Major General Douglas Farnham, Maine's Adjutant General. "As we community members, we are her to assist our communities, and we are pleased to support MEMA and Maine CDC in this mission."

Learn more about how the Maine National Guard is involved in the COVID-19 response by following their Facebook and Twitter pages, and separate fact from fiction. Thank you, to our military, for all that you do.

Filed Under: Coronavirus

Categories: Articles, Health, Local News, Maine, News