The coronavirus outbreak appears to be stretching into what scientists predict will be a busy Atlantic hurricane season. As case counts rise in the storm-prone Southeast, officials recommend taking extra precautions in the event of evacuations to public shelters, advising residents to set aside face coverings, disinfectants and other supplies they may need at short notice. The pandemic continues to put pressure on supplies of emergency equipment like personal protective gear that hospitals and nursing homes could need.
Otherwise healthy people may be more hesitant to heed evacuation orders if they feel that doing so may put them at greater risk of catching coronavirus.