National Guard to be deployed as coronavirus outbreak escalates

The National Guard said it would deploy 1,000 troops in six states -- Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, New York, Rhode Island and Washington -- by the end of the day Friday.

"As of this morning, about 400 Air and Army National Guard professionals in six states - Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, New York, Rhode Island and Washington- are providing personnel in support of civil authority at the direction of their governors in response to COVID-19," the National Guard said in a statement Friday. "At the national level, Guard members are training personnel on COVID-19 response, identifying and preparing National Guard facilities for use as isolation housing, and compiling state medical supply inventories."

The statement noted that the National Guard's "first priority is to protect our people while saving lives."

"National Guard personnel will provide assistance to the states that include logistical support, disinfection/cleaning, activate/conduct transportation of medical personnel, call center support, and meal delivery," the statement read.

National Guard to be deployed as coronavirus outbreak escalates