The National Guard has deployed combat medics to assist with COVID-19's test distribution. This comes as more people are becoming infected in the state of Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis pushes for more restrictions to quell the spread of the virus, including curfews.
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Orlando, Florida - National Guard setting
up drive-thru cones for coronavirus testing
Credit - Eddie Melendez |
Videos and images are coming from social media users asking questions about why the National Guard has been deployed in some areas in Florida. Ron DeSantis stated that the National Guard would be deployed in some areas earlier this month. The National Guard is reportedly setting up drive-through COVID-19 testing sites due to the expected large increase in active cases throughout the country. Many drivers have already gone through these checkpoints in many counties. Ron DeSantis has stated that these sites would have above 80 National Guardsmen with multiple separate lanes and at least one of those lanes will be used for first responders. Reportedly, 400 have already been tested in
Broward County.
At these sites, there will primarily be combat medics, memorial physicians and medical technicians to assist in test collection. The Florida Highway Patrol will also be assisting them in some locations. The test will be provided to those who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 and meet their criteria, some locations may have different criteria based on
CDC guidelines. The test results could take 3 days unless more efficient tests have been approved by the FDA.
Some speculate that the Florida National Guard will also allow combat medics to directly treat those with illnesses if hospitals are unable to bring enough care. There are also rumors that the National Guard is imposing martial law, that however, has not been confirmed by any sources.
