Maine governor activates National Guard amid shortage of hospital beds

Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced on Wednesday she is activating the state’s National Guard amid a shortage of hospital beds. 

In a statement, the governor said the state has a record number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital: 379. 

Of those, 117 are in critical care and 60 are in need of ventilators. Only 42 intensive care unit beds are open in the state. 

“I do not take this action lightly, but we must take steps to alleviate the strain on our health care system and ensure care for all those who need it. I am grateful to the members of the Guard and to our heroic health care workers for their tireless efforts,” Mills said. 

“Just as they are stepping up, so, too, must Maine people. For your health, for the health of an elderly person, for the health of a child, for our health care workers, for the National Guard, get vaccinated, please. It may save your life or someone else’s,” she added. 

Maine’s National Guard will send 75 members to help in non-clinical support roles such as providing support to nursing facilities and helping administer monoclonal antibodies.

Mills also requested federal COVID-19 surge response teams for two hospitals in need of assistance with COVID-19 cases.