ST. PAUL, Minn. – At least 200 Minnesota National Guard soldiers are being activated to support the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the adjutant general, said Guard members will staff 11 new testing sites at National Guard armories in Albert Lea, Anoka, Crookston, Fairmont, Hibbing, Hutchinson, Inver Grove Heights, Morris, Stillwater and Wadena. Another Guard contingent may also be activated soon, Manke said.
Already on duty
The Minnesota Guard already has been assisting at the state’s saliva testing locations in the Twin Cities, Duluth and Moorhead. In addition, soldiers provide staffing at long-term care facilities after receiving temporary nursing assistant training.