Cathedral City Senior Center preparing for coronavirus threat

In California alone, there are 79 confirmed cases of coronavirus with one reported death so far.

On Friday, Los Angeles County confirmed two more cases of the virus bringing the number there to 13.

One of those new cases is another person who was doing medical screenings at L.A.X.

Cathedral City Senior Center teamed up with Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz by offering preventive tips and showed us exactly what their plans are to keep everyone safe.

"I am concerned because it could developed into pandemic," said Virginia Snyder.

Virginia Snyder, a member of the center and a retired nurse, said she's on high alert as more cases of the virus are being traced back to one nursing home in Kirkland, Washington. 

"Older people are vulnerable, I mean lets face it the immune system gets a little weaker as we get older so we do have to be careful," said Snyder.

Tom Tomlinson, a volunteer at the center, also expressed his worrisome thoughts about the risk of his peers being infected.

"Well of course, I think we'll all be a little unaware if we weren't if we weren't concerned and worried especially about people in other cities," said Tomlinson.

Tomlinson said staying informed is critical.

"The more information that can get out and accurate information and correct statistics will help all of us," said Tomlinson.

The center has been proactive in initiating protocols to keep members safe.

"We have provided hand santizer stations all over the center, tissue, we are advising anyone who isn't feeling well to stay home and get checked by their doctor," said Geoff Corbin, Cathedral City's Senior Center Executive Director.

Something that Dr. Ruiz agrees with about taking measures.

"The older the individual is the more at risk they are for severe illness so we have to target our message get the word out to show proper ways to prevent and getting it and also prevent spreading the coronavirus," said Dr. Ruiz.

Dr. Ruiz attended the workshop to offer up his expertise as seniors grapple with what to do as the virus continues to spread. And the center taking their prevention plans even further by creating a team specializing in the virus.

"We are treating this like a flu epidemic but even more seriously," said Corbin. "this task force will say okay we have an emergency plan , we know how to respond to the flu what else do we need to be doing for this particularly virus."

Cathedral City Senior Center plans to have a meeting with their task force next week including board members, volunteers and medical professionals to create that rapid response plan for the virus.