DRAPER, Utah – The Utah National Guard is now supporting long-term health care facilities as Utah hospital intensive care units reach their capacity with COVID-19 patients.
Utah National Guard Soldiers and Airmen supporting the state COVID-19 response for ICU patients are licensed nurses and medics. Approximately nine service members began assisting a long-term health care facility in Washington County on Jan. 11. Additional teams are on standby, ready to help at facilities in Ogden, Salt Lake City and Orem.
“Most of these Soldiers and Airmen are currently already on our mobile testing and facilities assessment teams and will be re-assigned to the alternate care facility mission,” said Col. Tammy Manwaring, commander, COVID-19 Task Force. “... Our service members are eager to help out and make a difference while they support the COVID-19 response in another capacity.”
Members of the Utah National Guard are assisting the Utah Department of Health in the state's fight against the coronavirus with other missions, including contact tracing and investigation; distribution of personal protective equipment and mobile testing.
COVID-19 safety protocols are implemented during all support operations to ensure all Utahns' safety. The Utah National Guard continues to be involved at local, state and federal levels to plan and execute the nation’s response to COVID-19.
Each of the almost 7,500 members of the Utah Guard is also a civilian, living and working in communities across the state. They have a track record of answering the call to assist civilian authorities during emergencies.