Lamont: National Guard COVID aid extended through March

The Connecticut National Guard has been authorized to aid the state’s COVID-19 efforts through at least March of next year.

The guard’s federal authorization for the relief efforts was set to expire on Dec. 31, but the White House has notified Gov. Ned Lamont’s office of the extension, a press release from the governor’s office said.

From early April through the end of September, the federal government took on 100 percent of the cost share, the press release said.

From the beginning of October through this latest extension into March, the federal government will only pick up 75 percent of the costs.

The guard has been on the front lines of the pandemic since the beginning. Early on, guard personnel set up field hospitals to extend the number of beds available at hospitals.

As the virus moved into nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, dozens of guard personnel worked with the Department of Public Health to conduct inspections of homes.

The guard has also been used to backup testing sites, as demand for COVID-19 tests swelled in the fall.

“The Connecticut National Guard has been a critical component of our state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Lamont said in a statement. “And it must also be noted that the Guard’s support goes beyond assistance to state government — this authorization means it can continue to help our towns, cities, and health care providers protect Connecticut residents and communities.”

More than 1,000 guardsmen and members of the state militia have supported the state’s COVID-19 efforts since the pandemic began, according to the governor’s office.

Personnel have also delivered protective gear, assembled and...

from News https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Lamont-National-Guard-COVID-aid-extended-through-15774702.php