As the number of new COVID-19 cases remains high in Ohio—albeit with those who test positive on the decline—Gov. Mike DeWine has shifted members of the state National Guard to assist at hospitals and medical facilities throughout the Southwest. DeWine announced his decision on Jan. 24 as snow and cold temperatures continued in Ohio, which come at a time when President Joe Biden is withdrawing his vaccine mandate for large businesses that have 100 employees or more. Resources from closed testing locations in Ohio are being shifted to support area hospitals or other Guard missions in other parts of the state. The Guard is offering support in every region of Ohio, whether for testing sites, or assistance in hospitals, effective Jan. 26. DeWine first deployed members of the Ohio National Guard to assist in hospitals in mid-December 2021 and increased the numbers a few weeks later. There’s slightly more than …