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Governor will activate parts of the Florida National Guard amid coronavirus pandemic

The state is ramping up its efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Credit: AP Photo/Chris O'Meara
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, center, gestures as he stands with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, left, and State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees during a news conference Monday, March 2, 2020, in Tampa, Fla.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will activate certain components of the Florida National Guard to support areas of the state that need help responding to the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

The exact details surrounding the activation are not yet known.

"We think if we have National Guard support, they could help augment medical staff shortages, potentially could help expand testing resources and even potentially set up field medical clinics," Gov. DeSantis said during a news conference on Friday.

Watch the governor's full statement by clicking here.

Gov. DeSantis says he is committed to expanding coronavirus testing. He is directing the state's surgeon general increase testing capabilities. Right now, tests are being distributed to counties with the highest need. Roughly 90 percent of tests continue to come back negative.

Most cases in Florida are still linked to travel.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fevers and dry coughs. The testing involves swabbing people's noses and the backs of their throats.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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