LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan National Guard is working to help keep Michiganders safe during the coronavirus crisis.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer called them up to help during the state of emergency.
The Guard is partnering with other state agencies to make sure everyone has what they need to fight the coronavirus.
"We're a partner. In most cases we are a silent partner," said Major General Paul Rogers.
You won't see troops on the street enforcing the "Stay Home" order.
Major General Rogers said instead they use their expertise to help other state agencies.
"We are there to augment and provide our skillset to help and support them as they are dealing with this mission," he said.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is essentially taking charge of fighting the coronavirus.
Many troops from the National Guard are helping with the planning of the state response.
"We're embedding them into Health and Human Services or we are amending them into the planning at the state emergency operations center," said Major General Rogers.
He said they are used to responding in times of need, such as a hurricane in the south, but this time it is different.
"We are all simultaneously dealing with an emergency within our own sovereign state. We're all called up to support that," said Major General Rogers.
Major General Rogers said the response will continue until the coronavirus crisis is over.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help businesses and restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
Want to see more local news ? Visit the FOX47News Website.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android
and
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
