INDIANAPOLIS — The state is asking for retired doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers to help out at nursing homes where staffers have their hands full with COVID-19 patients.
The National Guard has already been deployed to dozens of long-term care facilities across the state to assist with testing, reporting, visitor registration, infection protocol and other tasks.
"Our first few days have been very productive." said Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, Indiana National Guard Adjutant General. "The feedback we are getting is that our soldiers and airman are augmenting staff and helping meet CDC guidelines. They're helping with PPE, they're helping with screening at the front door with temperatures and enabling the staff to do their jobs."
The goal is to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within the facilities.
By November 16, the National Guard plans to have more than 400 soldiers deployed.
Nursing home deaths make up 57% of the state's total COVID-19 deaths. 2,428 nursing home patients have died as a result of the virus.
