From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Friday that she has authorized the Alabama National Guard to activate up to 100 Guardsmen, should first responders and health care providers become overwhelmed in their fight to combat the coronavirus.
Ivey’s office said that there is no plan at the moment to activate any guardsmen. A measure is an act of caution in case the situation becomes overwhelming for those on the front lines of the pandemic. The guard members are not to operate as any type of law enforcement of public health orders.
“While there is no immediate need for us to deploy our Guard, I have given authorization to Adjutant General Sheryl Gordon to be on standby, should our first responders and health care providers need additional support,” Ivey said in a statement. “I want to ensure Alabamians that our National Guard stands ready to be part of this team effort to combat this invisible enemy.
“My administration has been given clear instructions to do everything possible to ensure the continuity of government while being flexible and responsible to the needs of our state. I ask for the support of my fellow Alabamians as we work through these challenging days together.”
