Senior center in Orcutt shuts down to keep seniors quarantined as COVID-19 case numbers rise

ORCUTT, Calif. - It’s a quiet day at the OASIS senior center.

No arts and crafts.

No Yoga classes.

As many as 1,200 seniors visit here.

"We care about our seniors more than anything and to us their safety comes first," says CEO Doug Dougherty at the OASIS Senior Center.

To keep them safe, Dougherty decided to shut down for the time being. "We are starting to see some cases here locally who is we just have to keep the door closed until we come to find out what’s going on," says Dougherty.

Over the past two weeks Orcutt has seen a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Two weeks ago the county confirmed 12 cases in the city.

That number was up to 18 on Tuesday.

Orcutt residents are pleased to see the center taking extra precaution during this difficult time.

"I think it’s sad but I think it’s a necessary thing and I work in mental health and I see what it’s doing to people’s mental health," says resident Deana Huddleston of Orcutt.

So far Dougherty says one member has tested positive for COVID-19.

While the center continues to monitor the number of cases closely, residents hope others will also do their part to help keep everyone safe.

"Yeah I’m fairly worried you know and I’m following the a stay at home and that kind of thing so I just hope and expect my fellows in the community to do the same," says resident Tom Gularte of Orcutt.