COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina National Guard has conducted more than a quarter of a million COVID-19 tests at over 829 mobile testing sites since May 2.
The more than 268,095 COVID-19 tests supported by the South Carolina National Guard is a new milestone in the state’s response to the pandemic.
"Reaching the quarter of a million mark in COVID-19 tests is a true testament to our service member's perseverance, passion for the mission and professionalism," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina. "It also demonstrates the strength of ‘Team South Carolina’ and the great cooperation of our state's COVID-19 Unified Command Group led by Gov. Henry McMaster. Team South Carolina is strong and we are resilient. We've been through hard times before, and together we prevailed. I am confident we will do it again."
Since March, the South Carolina National Guard has maintained an active-duty force of just under 500 Soldiers and Airmen who have conducted more than 1,000 missions. They have assisted with COVID-19 testing across the state, provided medical surge personnel to 10 hospitals and medically screened 229 congregate care patients and more than 417,000 inmates. Guard members have helped sanitize 62 facilities, prepared more than 68,818 inmate meals, and distributed more than 200,000 masks, 31,968 shields, and 205,825 gloves.
The South Carolina National Guard has been mobilized for over 326 consecutive days in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and remains ready to support the counties, state and local agencies, and first responders for as long as needed.