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Coachella Valley family member shares worries of her sister as she waits for results of coronavirus

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Beverly Francis lives in Indio and her sister, Pat Cadtellonas, lives in Cynthia, Kentucky. She reached out to News Channel 3 worried about her sister. Francis said, “Of all people, she was the one we were most concerned about.” Her family concerned because she has stage 4 lung cancer at nearly 76 years old.

She went in for a routine testing appointment at her doctor's office. Francis told us, “A few hours after arriving home, she got a call from him saying that the radiologist and two other specialists have looked at the cat scan, CT scan, and said that there was mimics of the coronavirus in her lungs.” She was tested for the virus Monday. She's asymptomatic, meaning not showing any symptoms. Francis urged, "Shes got no fever, no coughing, no problems with chest pain, nothing like that.” Even with no symptoms, she and her family remained in quarantine through the weekend. Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Task Force Response Coordinator said in a press conference that, "Until you really understand how many people are asymptomatic and asymptomatically passing the virus on, we think it's better for the entire American public to know that the risk of serious illness may be low, but they could be potentially spreading the virus to others."

Pat Cadtellonas, far-right. Beverly Francis next to her.

Check out our coronavirus section for local coverage

Luckily, during this process, Beverly says her sister's attitude has been very positive. Francis added, “I’m sure she’s worried, but she’s not letting us know she’s worried.”

For others, even if you do not show symptoms it's important to protect the community. You can do this by practicing social distancing and staying out of large crowds.

Francis added “Not taking it lightly. Obviously. And they are saying it’s going to get worse. Listen to what the CDC is saying, stay out of crowds.”

News Channel 3's Taban Sharifi will have the story this evening at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.

Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.
Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.

Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:

Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
Cough into your elbow or tissue.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
Stay away from anyone who is sick.

Article Topic Follows: Coronavirus

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Taban Sharifi

Taban Sharifi is a Meteorologist and Reporter with KESQ News Channel 3, The Desert’s News & Weather Leader. Learn more about Taban here.

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