SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The impact of COVID-19 could hamper Seminole County’s ability to open enough emergency shelters this hurricane season, officials say.

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In an email obtained by Channel 9, emergency manager Alan Harris said he is at a point of critical break due to a lack of volunteers.

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Harris said it’s not just volunteers, but trained county staff. During a hurricane, all county workers are paid volunteers that pitch in to help staff the shelters. Currently, 170 positions need filling.

In the email, Harris wrote, “If a Cat 4 of Cat 5 hurricane approaches this year, we will not be able to open the adequate number of shelters to protect our vulnerable residents from the storm.”

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Harris said only 12 shelters could open if a hurricane came barreling down on Florida.

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