of COVID-19. Modifications to shelter operations include: Temperature checks, ongoing screening, and assessment of shelter guests and workers for COVID-19 symptoms. Shelter workers used personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting temperature checks and screening. Shelter guests were instructed to watch their children for signs of illness and immediately inform shelter staff if they start to feel ill while sheltering or if they observe children who may be ill. Shelter guests and workers were instructed to avoid touching high-touch surfaces, such as handrails, as much as possible; and to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol immediately after touching these surfaces. Shelters provided additional hand-washing stations in addition to normal restroom facilities. Individual meals were distributed without buffet set-up or queue area. Cots were spaced further apart to allow for physical distancing. FEMA recommends per person for long-term sheltering. Face coverings were required. Pets were excluded from Red Cross shelters. United States gulf coast evacuees were urged to go to a friend or relative's home or a hotel, and consider the shelter a last resort because of COVID-19 risks; although shelters might open for families, who could be housed together in tents inside shelter facilities if absolutely necessary. Sources Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic Emergency management Evacuations