Whitmer Asks Trump For Extended National Guard Use Amid Pandemic

MICHIGAN — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to utilize the Michigan National Guard to help combat the spread of the coronavirus, and she's penned a letter to President Donald Trump requesting an extension to do so.

Whitmer submitted the letter to Trump Tuesday, requesting an extension of Title 32 authority in order to use Michigan National Guard forces through March 31, 2021 for COVID-19 response and vaccine related activities. Title 32 status, which provides for federal pay and benefits, is currently authorized by the President through Dec. 31, 2020.

“The Michigan National Guard remains a crucial part of the state’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Guard is vital to our ongoing recovery as well,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Michigan, as in many other states, is experiencing a marked incline in our COVID-19 positive cases across the state.

"To provide a thorough response, Michigan has been heavily relying on the Michigan National Guard’s efforts to perform widespread testing and screening, distributing personal protective equipment, and assisting at numerous food banks across the state. That’s why we need extended use of the Michigan National Guard through March 31, 2020.”

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As of Monday, nearly 217,000 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Michigan. The virus has killed at least 7,600 Michiganders, state officials say.

On Monday, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that they are accelerating the large-scale testing of vaccines that should provide Americans an added layer of immunity from the virus. In anticipation of rapid approval from the Food and Drug Administration, Michigan is looking to the Michigan National Guard to provide logistical support and transportation support to help distribute the vaccine, the state said.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Michigan National Guard members have helped distribute more than 14 million pounds of food at food banks, delivered tests and protective equipment across the state, and assisted with testing more than 200 thousand Michiganders for COVID-19, according to state officials.

The Guard is partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments to offer COVID-19 testing, provide antigen training for health care practitioners, and to provide informational assistance in call centers.