Abbott Sending the Texas National Guard to Set Up New COVID-19 Testing Sites

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that more than 1,200 members of the Texas National Guard will be setting up 25 more testing sites across Texas in the fight against the coronavirus.

Texas will have the capacity to test 150 people per day at each testing location.

Since March, the Texas National Guard has been assisting communities across Texas in the COVID-19 response, Reform Austin previously reported. Over 2,500 members of the guard are serving throughout Texas, according to the governor’s office.

“The State of Texas continues to expand our COVID-19 testing capacities and ensure that communities across the Lone Star State have access to the resources they need,” Abbott said.

“COVID-19 testing is a crucial mission in our fight against this virus,” said Maj. Gen. Tracy R. Norris, adjutant general of Texas. “We are proud to support our partners (the Texas Division of Emergency Management) and (the Texas Department of State Health Services) in bringing this critical capacity to areas in need of medical support.”     

The Texas Military Department has also helped in manufacturing over four million pieces of personal protective equipment, helped distribute food at local food banks to thousands of people and conducted over 9,000 coronavirus tests.

The state health services department will identify mobile testing teams. The first two of the 25 teams will be deployed to Fredericksburg and Floresville, Texas. Floresville is where at least 10 residents of a state-run veteran’s home have tested positive, KSAT reported.

The DSHS will determine additional locations throughout Texas for 23 other teams to be deployed to.Read more of our coverage on Texas National Guard responding to the coronavirus click here and here.