Alabama has created a new National Guard unit tasked with helping prevent the spread of coronavirus in the four state-run veterans homes, the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs said Friday.

The unit, called Task Force 31, is a partnership between the agency and the Alabama National Guard. On Saturday, the unit was deployed to the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City to assist the home in preventing the spread of the coronavirus among employees and residents.

Task Force 31 is comprised of special teams equipped and trained to disinfect long-term skilled care facilities like the state’s four veterans homes. Members were chosen based on their military training.

The team “methodically moved through veterans home conducting the operation with close coordination with the home’s staff” on Saturday, the National Guard said afterward. Residents were moved first to isolated protective areas in the home.

“I want to thank Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Sherly Gordon, for mobilizing the task force to perform this critical mission on behalf of our veterans,” said Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis. “As a state, we are proud of the men and women of the Alabama National Guard who are always ready to answer the call when their services are needed during a time of state and national emergencies.”

Teams will now deploy to the other three state-run veterans homes in Bay Minette, Huntsville and Pell City.

“The Alabama National Guard is here to serve our citizens, and I’m glad Governor Ivey asked us to take on this important mission,” Gordon said. “Our specially trained Soldiers and Airmen are prepared to assist our communities as we fight the spread of COVID-19 together.”

(Updated July 18 after the task force cleaned the first veterans home in Alexander City)