Evacuation Decision-Making Post-COVID-19 Vaccine Availability: Implications of Compound Hazards in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

OBJECTIVE

The threat of novel pathogens and natural hazards is increasing as global temperatures warm, leading to more frequent and severe occurrences of infectious disease outbreaks and major hurricanes. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the need to examine how risk perceptions related to hurricane evacuations shift when vaccines become available. This study explores individuals' expected evacuation plans during the early stages of COVID-19 vaccine availability.

METHODS

In March 2021, an online survey was disseminated in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

RESULTS

An overwhelming majority (72.6%) of respondents said that their vaccination status would not affect their hurricane evacuation intentions. The unvaccinated were significantly more likely to consider evacuating during a hurricane than the vaccinated. Even with vaccines available, respondents suggested they were less likely to evacuate to a shelter during the 2021 season than prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents generally believed that the risk of contracting COVID-19 at a shelter was greater than the risk of sheltering-in-place during a hurricane.

CONCLUSIONS

Government officials need to develop and communicate clear information regarding evacuation orders for municipalities that may be more impacted than others based on the trajectory of the storm, social determinants of health, and other factors like living in a flood zone.