The Delaware Governor has declared a state of emergency over the Covid-19 omicron variant. The announcement comes as President Biden and the first lady have been enjoying a vacation in their home state.

According to Fox News:

Delaware Gov. John Carney released a statement Thursday that Delaware would be entering a state of emergency effective Monday. The governor plans to activate resources from the National Guard for help covering staffing shortages at medical centers and “combat the winter surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.”

“Members of our Guard and frontline health care workers continue to step up time and time again. We need all Delawareans and Delaware businesses to step up and help us get through this winter surge,” wrote Carney. “At the State level, we are focused on reducing the strain on our hospitals this winter, and getting even more Delawareans vaccinated.”

The governor explained in the statement that his administration is working to “enable members of the Delaware National Guard to work as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in skilled nursing facilities to care for patients currently in Delaware hospitals. Approximately 100 members of the Delaware National Guard are currently being trained to become CNAs.”

“I especially want to thank all of Delaware’s health care workers who continue to work on the front lines of this crisis. The best thing we can do to support them is to remain vigilant – and do what works,” Carney wrote. “After two years of this pandemic, we all know what to do. Mask up in public places to protect yourself and vulnerable family members. Get your vaccine. And get a booster if you’re eligible. That’s the best way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization.”