BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered the activation of up to 2,000 Massachusetts National Guard members to help aid the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Baker's office called the activation "a significant addition of supply chain resources available to the Commonwealth and its residents."
"Activating the National Guard will help support our Administration’s efforts to keep residents safe and secure during the COVID-19 outbreak," Gov. Baker said in a statement Thursday afternoon. "The expertise of the Massachusetts National Guard will benefit our communities with logistical support and other assistance as we continue to respond to this crisis."
Officials said the National Guard members will support state agencies' requests for help with equipment, logistics, warehousing, and more.
Local towns and cities will submit requests for aid through MEMA, and the Guard will assist in the response.
"The Massachusetts National Guard is a diverse and highly trained force whose members live and work in communities across the Commonwealth," Baker's office wrote. "The Guard has a proven track record of success supporting civilian authorities during and after state emergencies, and its units frequently train side-by-side with state and local first responders, making them well-suited for domestic operations."
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App
(Photo: Getty Images)