TAMPA, Fla. -- Preparing for a hurricane during a pandemic is no easy feat, which is why Tampa International Airport already has a plan ready to take flight.

A spokesperson for the airport says they are preparing for this hurricane season the same way they would any other— with some extra precautions in place.

All meetings related to safety, emergency operations, and flight status will happen virtually this year.

Also, essential airport employees will have designated areas to stay to promote social distancing.

And, of course, everyone who works at the airport will be wearing a mask.

“COVID-19 will definitely add some added complexity to our hurricane plan, but we think we have a very solid plan in place and we will be able to weather the storm. We’re putting in the necessary safety measures to make sure all of our team members are safe and that we recover quickly,” said Danny Valentine, senior communications manager with Tampa International Airport. 

Valentine says the airport will be appropriately staffed to handle all emergencies, and he reminds people the airport is not equipped to be a shelter for the public.