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Abbott activates state national guard to help in COVID-19 response

Abbott activates state national guard to help in COVID-19 response
Posted at 12:53 PM, Mar 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-17 13:55:55-04

AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott today activated the Texas National Guard to be prepared to assist with response efforts for COVID-19.

Abbott's preparative measure will ensure that the Texas National Guard can assist in various forms throughout the state when needed.

Healthcare workers and first responders who are members of the Texas National Guard are excluded from this activation so that they can continue serving the people of Texas in their respective fields.

"By activating the Texas National Guard, we are ensuring Texas is prepared as we continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19," Abbott said. "I am grateful to the men and women of the National Guard for their dedication to serving their fellow Texans, and want to assure the public that this is a precautionary measure to make sure the Texas National Guard has the capability to serve at a moment's notice where they are needed most."