(The Hill) – The National Guard has deployed nearly 5,500 Air and Army National Guard troops in 32 states as of Saturday to combat the coronavirus outbreak. The National Guard told The Hill that those figures could “change rapidly as states identify needs” and that missions for the troops include “training and sample collection;

response planners; support to medical testing facilities; response liaisons and support to the state Emergency Operations Centers; support to healthcare professionals – assessments, transportation; logistics support; assisting with disinfecting/cleaning of common public spaces; providing transportation support for health care providers; collecting and delivering samples; and assisting with sample administration.”

“National Guard members work and live in every community across the nation and have a proven track record of success supporting civilian authorities after homeland emergencies,” the National Guard said.  The deployments come as federal and state governments scramble to get control of the coronavirus, which has infected nearly 18,000 people and killed 239 in the U.S., according to The New York Times’s tally. Six members of the National Guard have tested positive for COVID-19. READ MORE

(ETH) – The State of Ohio has just issued a “stay at home” order for the entire state. “There is nothing in this order that we haven’t already been talking about. There is nothing in this that I haven’t been asking you to do for the last few weeks,” according to Ohio Governor. Mike DeWine

The order comes at a new stage in the fight against COVID-19.  This order does permit exceptions to staying home. Ohioans will be able to leave home for health and safety, for necessary supplies and services, and for outdoor activity.  “You can leave home to take care of others,” said DeWine. “You can take care of your neighbor, your family, your friend.” According to Governor DeWine, carry-out food is still okay.

“There is no time left,” said Ohio Health Director Dr. Amy Acton. “Listen to what Italy is telling us. Today is the day. We must do everything we can in our power to protect the people on the frontlines – the first responders and healthcare workers.” The order will reportedly go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday and last until at least April 6th.

Cuomo warns 80% will get virus over ‘9 months’ as Mnuchin tells 80 million to prepare for 12-week shutdown

(Daily Star) – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has warned that 80% of New York state’s population could become infected with the coronavirus and said the crisis could last as long as nine months. Cuomo’s stark assessment came hours after Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin warned that the lockdown, currently impacting 80 million people across the country, could last 12 weeks.

Speaking at a press conference Sunday, Cuomo also slammed “arrogant” groups who are still socializing despite orders to stay at home as virus cases soar. “You would think there is nothing going on in parts of New York City. You would think that it was just a bright, sunny Saturday,” he said.

“I was in these parks. You would not know that anything was going on. This is a mistake. It’s insensitive, it’s arrogant, it’s self-destructive, it’s disrespectful to other people, and it has to stop now.” The Governor said that he has ordered NYC officials to develop a plan to reduce density in the city, and suggested that streets could be closed off to vehicles so people could spread out. Speaking about the length and severity of the crisis, Cuomo said 80% of the state’s population could get sick and the crisis could last till Christmas. READ MORE