YOUNGSTOWN, April 2 – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has dispatched National Guard units across the state to assist in the fight against COVID19. The dispatch includes National Guard assistance in Youngstown and the greater Mahoning Valley.
The Guard has been mobilized to perform vital logistical tasks, including distributing supplies and scouting sites for mobile hospitals. These additional mobile hospitals would be earmarked to handle patient overflow. The National Guard is coordinating with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and Ohio Department of Health in these efforts.
National Guard mobilization is a regular aspect of disaster relief in the United States. While the COVID19 outbreak may be a different sort of disaster than hurricanes and tornadoes, it is no less destructive. These efforts are part of DeWine’s expanded plan to slow the spread of COVID19 and treat those affected.
National Guard units will not be performing any law enforcement duties in Ohio. The Youngstown Police Department continues to head the city’s law enforcement. However, the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Highway Patrol are available to assist all local law enforcement.
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