Governor Steve Sisolak will activate Nevada’s National Guard and expand the field of healthcare workers to help fight the coronavirus, he announced during a press conference on Wednesday.

“From the beginning I have been upfront about my goal: mitigate the spread to save lives and protect our healthcare system from being overwhelmed, which could lead to disastrous results,” he said.

The governor said the activation of the state’s military force and his directive to establish the Battle Born Medical Corp were both in response to the COVID-19 virus, which has now claimed the lives of 38 deaths residents. According to Sisolak and Maj. Gen. Ondra L. Berry, the National Guard’s main role will be to help move medical supplies around the state and provide extra help to clinics and hospitals.

The emergency directive will permit doctors, nurses, paramedics, medical students, retired doctors and nurses, and even medical professionals from other states and countries to assist Nevada’s healthcare workers in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This directive will waive certain licensing requirements that will allow us to quickly bring traditional healthcare workers into our hospitals where we so desperately need them right now,” Sisolak said. –CC