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National Guard playing role in increasing testing

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia National Guard is increasing its coronavirus testing capabilities as part of the statewide effort to test more West Virginians for the virus.

The National Guard has nearly doubled the capacity for testing teams to 15 as the unit approaches 200 days of assisting with the statewide COVID-19 response.

Gov. Jim Justice said last week he would like to test 7,000 people a day with his ideal goal being 10,000 West Virginians.

Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, the state’s adjutant general, said the National Guard is capable of between 8,000 and 10,000 daily tests.

“The key piece now is getting able to get out there and give the ability in the communities,” he said last week on “MetroNews Talkline.”

Hoyer said the National Guard is collaborating with retailers and pharmacies on testing.

“We’re also working with the federally-qualified health care centers — about 120 of those across the state — and the regional health clinics to allow people to go daily so we’re not spending as much effort with significant test lanes that we have to in some areas,” he said.

Hoyer noted people will still receive test results within three days despite more tests being processed. The state Department of Health and Human Resources has signed multiple contracts for processing coronavirus tests.

“If you go beyond that three-day period, you’re not getting the benefit out of the test,” he said.

Multiple places will be hosting coronavirus testing events on Monday:

— Cabell-Huntington Health Department, 703 7th Ave., Huntington, WV 25701; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
— Elkview Baptist Church, 1150 Main St., Elkview, WV 25071; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
— First Baptist Church of Grafton, 2034 Webster Pike, Grafton, WV 26354; noon to 2 p.m.
— Spring Valley High School, 1 Timberwolfe Dr., Huntington, WV 25704; noon to 4 p.m.
— Boone County Health Department, 213 Kenmore Dr., Danville, WV 25053; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The National Guard has assisted the state Board of Education with providing schools with personal protective equipment. Installation of WiFi hotspots as part of the governor’s Kids Connect effort is almost complete; members have finished 17 of the 20 related projects.





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