If you don’t believe COVID is having an adverse impact on health care facilities and workers in the commonwealth, then consider that the National Guard is stepping in to help. The National Guard typically is deployed for disaster relief. But as Kentucky has averaged over 4,000 new cases a day, guardsmen are stationed at 21 Kentucky hospitals to help overwhelmed healthcare workers. They aid in non-clerical duties so hospital staff can focus exclusively on treating patients. One Paducah hospital spokesperson said, “We are very grateful for their assistance, which will help us keep our own resources focused on caring for COVID patients.” Guardsmen have left their civilian jobs and families to serve Kentuckians in this important role.