LANSING, Mich.—President Donald Trump has approved Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request to extend the use of the Michigan National Guard to combat COVID-19.

The extension allows for federal deployment of the Michigan National Guard until August 21.

Whitmer sent a letter to Trump on May 27 asking for the extension.

“The Michigan National Guard has been instrumental in our efforts to flatten the curve and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and will continue to play a vital role as we slowly and safely reopen our economy,” Governor Whitmer said in a press release. “We need to keep working to expand testing and this extension will ensure we can continue to ramp up testing throughout the state. Moving too fast without the tests we need could put Michigan at risk of a second wave of infections.”

The Michigan National Guard has assisted in the state’s COVID-19 response by distributing personal protective equipment, food, and medical supplies. They’re also providing warehouse support, disinfecting public spaces, and assisting the Department of Health and Human Services with testing.