Gov. Inslee asks to extend National Guard coronavirus response through end of the year

Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter Monday asking the federal government to extend the National Guard’s coronavirus response mission in the state through Dec. 31.

>> National Guard on front lines in state’s COVID-19 battle

Inslee said the National Guard has proved essential in the state's COVID-19 response, and its help is still urgently needed.

"As the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to climb in our state, it is clear that help from the Washington National Guard remains essential through the end of the year," the letter reads.

The National Guard has delivered more than 1.3 million meals to Washington families, tested over 14,000 people and built more than 150,000 test kits, according to Inslee's letter.

Inslee said the National Guard is needed as the state continues to work through the phases of the reopening plan.

Read the full letter here.

Cox Media Group