By Joshua Huff, sports editor
The Alabama Department of Public Health announced on Friday, April 17, 2020, that the Alabama National Guard will begin to assist nursing homes with disinfecting premises and teaching employees the proper safety procedures in an effort to safeguard the residents who are most at risk of dying from the coronavirus.
The National Guard will attend to specifically designated nursing homes that have have had COVID-19 positive residents and employees. The soldiers will train staff on the techniques of donning and doffing personal protective equipment.
“The Alabama National Guard is here to serve our citizens, and I’m glad Governor Ivey asked us to take on this important mission,” Major General Sheryl E. Gordon, adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard said. “Our specially trained soldiers are prepared to assist nursing homes as they fight the spread of COVID-19.”
The disinfection mission is part of the Alabama National Guard’s continuous effort to respond to COVID-19. Resources and need will dictate the number and frequency of missions the teams perform. The National Guard will continue to provide this service for the duration of the pandemic.
“Nursing homes have taken the threat of this virus seriously from the start,” State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said. “The Alabama National Guard team will provide a valuable service which will allow more time for the nursing home staff to focus on patient care.”
