Facilities Disinfection Teams, which were formed in coordination with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, have already mobilized to six senior facilities across the state with more coming down the line, according to a May 13 release from Gov. Greg Abbott's office. Each team is equipped with personal protective equipment, ionized sprayers and vital oxide, per the release.
Community Impact Newspaper has reached out to the governor's office on which six facilities the disinfection teams were sent to and how facilities are being prioritized.
"The Texas National Guard plays a crucial role in our ongoing response to COVID-19, and I am grateful for their work to address the unique challenges our nursing homes face during this pandemic," Abbott stated in the release. "The training these Guardsmen have received will equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to provide this crucial assistance to these facilities."
The order comes days after Abbott announced on May 11 that 100% of Texas nursing home residents and staff members will be tested for the coronavirus. Community Impact Newspaper has also reached out to the governor's office regarding a timeline for when the testing will begin and whether the state will fund the testing.
