Association between Covid-19 surge and emergency department patient flow and experience

•Visits for respiratory complaints increased during the Covid-19 peak.•Total visits remained similar during the Covid-19 peak.•Presentation during a Covid-19 peak increases emergency department length of stay.•Needing hospital admission increases emergency department length of stay.•Needing hospital admission during Covid-19 improves patient experience scores.•Advanced warning and hospital preparation prevents emergency department crowding.