Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has activated more than 100 additional National Guard soldiers and airmen to help in the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Pritzker called up the 115 Illinois National Guard soldiers and airmen on Monday. Of those 115, about 80 of them will be helping with communication and reporting between counties across the state and the State Emergency Operations Center. Another 30 or so National Guard members will help with establishing a medical facility at McCormick Place.
Brig. Gen. Richard Neely, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard says that the Illinois National Guard plays a vital role in the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. "We provide the state unique capabilities attained from both our military training and our civilian occupations. I’m so proud of these Soldiers and Airmen drawn from across the state to help their fellow citizens.”
With this week's addition of 115 members, the total number of Illinois National Guard service members on coronavirus response is about 380.