HOUSTON — Texas is bracing for a first: a hurricane during a pandemic.
Governor Greg Abbott spoke to KHOU 11 news by phone Friday night saying he is sending medical and military assets to the Rio Grande Valley to make sure the state is prepared.
“Even though we are dealing with a hurricane, people must understand COVID still exists, and we cannot allow a hurricane to lead to a COVID-spreading event," Gov. Abbott said. “We prepared for this very event back beginning in May, knowing the possibility a hurricane could come as we are responding to COVID.”
In the Houston area, Brazoria County beaches are closed. But in Galveston, beaches are open. The red flags are out warning visitors about dangerous rip currents Hanna could bring.
Organizations like American Red Cross are preparing, too, and making changes to how volunteers will respond because of the pandemic.
“We have virtual positions as well as in-person positions," said Jackie Drake, Regional Director of Communications for Red Cross.
After the storm, Drake said there will be changes to where people evacuate.
“This year, our first choice to shelter people is going to be hotels. Second, it’s going to be places like campsites and RV sites, and our third choice is going to be congregate sheltering," she said.
If they resort to the third option, temperatures would be taken and social distancing enforced.
Leaders at Harris County Office of Emergency Management say they will be watching closely.
“If this were us, what would we do? How would COVID impact it? How might we need to adjust our plans to make sure we are ready if we encounter a hurricane striking us this season?” said Franisco Sanchez with Harris County Office of Emergency Management.
It will also be important to continue social distancing after the storm during any clean-up efforts that take place.
"If you let your guard down, if you go to assist someone who may have been damaged by the hurricane, just know you can cause as much harm if you pass on COVID-19 to them," Gov. Abbott said. "So if you do assist, be sure you remember the best practices, wearing a face mask and keeping your distance when possible."
