This browser does not support the Video element.
DHS: National Guard to continue to help
Another group of Wisconsin National Guard members has completed training to assist in state hospitals and nursing homes with COVID-19 patients.
MILWAUKEE - Gov. Tony Evers announced in January that National Guard troops would help ease staffing shortages at Wisconsin hospitals and nursing homes.
Thursday, it was announced that 70 more National Guard members finished training, and some will be placed in southeastern Wisconsin. Fifty others had previously been assigned to long-term care facilities.
"Since last month, this effort is providing staffing support from approximately 117 National Guard members at 17 skilled nursing facilities around the state," said Deb Standridge with the DHS.
This browser does not support the Video element.
DHS COVID update
DHS COVID update
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said placement for the newly-trained members include Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and Glendale. Troops were trained as certified nursing assistants and then sent to health care facilities with inadequate staffing. The National Guard is also on hand to help allow for more hospital beds for COVID-19 patients.
The latest data shows, statewide, 92% of intensive care unit beds are in use, and 1,400 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 complications in Wisconsin. Of those 1,400, 296 patients are in ICU beds.
Evers said another wave of troops is expected to train as certified nursing assistants in the coming weeks.
Wisconsin DHS: COVID cases 'critically high' in all counties
Officials with the Wisconsin DHS on Thursday reminded residents that wearing a mask can still make a difference in COVID-19 spread.
Proposed MPS breakup, Gov. Evers reacts to GOP proposal
Republican lawmakers in Madison are circulating a bill that would dismantle Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) – dividing it into smaller districts.
Open Record: Politics of public safety
As violent crime continues to surge and major elections loom in Wisconsin, we explore the politics of public safety.