Hospitals across south Louisiana, already dealing with COVID-19, prepared for potential emergencies from Hurricane Delta, according to an article on the WBRZ website.

Baton Rouge General (BRG )arranged for extra food and sleeping arrangements should they need to take on patients from other hospitals.

Alyson Hughes, the Emergency Management Coordinator at BRG said the hospital's hurricane procedures have changed since the pandemic.  

"In years past where we were able to offer staff sleeping arrangements in somewhat of a group setting, now we're looking at separating those staff members just to make sure that we're keeping our teams healthy and well. So, separation is key.”

Hospital leaders also should be coordinating with other emergency response agencies in their area, according to an article on the Advisory Board website.

One lesson that came out of Katrina was the need for a cross-jurisdictional involvement in terms of how multiple agencies and hospitals came together. 

Also important — setting up shelters for vulnerable and/or electric-dependent populations.

In the event of a hurricane, current Covid operations/facilities could be expanded as needed. Doing so might allow the hospitals to remain intact and operational if an evacuation order is not issued.

Read the full WBRZ article.