State activates Florida National Guard to help respond to COVID-19 crisis

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The Florida National Guard, under the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is responding to the needs of the state alongside interagency partners, helping to protect citizens and guests throughout this COVID-19 crisis.

The Florida National Guard has 1,479 guardsmen on state active duty in support of Florida's COVID-19 response and are operating four Community Based Testing Sites that have administered 7,881 sample collections to date.

■ The C.B. Smith Park CBTS in Broward County has administered 4,100 sample collections since operations began there.

■ The Hard Rock Stadium CBTS in Miami-Dade County has administered 3,088 sample collections since operations began there.

■ The Marlins Park CBTS in Miami-Dade County has administered 371 sample collections.

■ Orange County Convention Center in Orange County has administered 322 sample collections.

Additionally, the FLNG is supporting airport screening operations in support of the Florida Department of Health at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). The Florida National Guard is also preparing to support additional airport screening operations at 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 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.

For more information about COVID-19 and the State of Florida’s response, visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/covid19-toolkit.html.