TUCSON - The Coronavirus was discovered in the '60s and there are about seven different kinds now.

"SARS and MERS, those are coronaviruses," said Dr. Richard Carmona, who used to serve as Surgeon General of the United States. "This virus is like those Coronaviruses, but when it went from the animal to the man, it changed its genetic fingerprint."

If you look at the genetic fingerprint, it looks similar, but there are certain areas that are different.

"Which makeS it a different kind of a challenge to your immune system. That is what is different," said Doctor Carmona.

Carmona said the Coronavirus is spreading fast.

"For the average person, it will make them sick. It is like a bad flu. But what we worry about are those people who are older," said Carmon. "Those with chronic diseases, babies who do not have fully-formed immune systems yet. They are more vulnerable."

Salpointe officials discussed coronavirus preps and precautions this morning with former surgeon general Dr. Richard Carmona. pic.twitter.com/vd2woGHj43 — AndrewKVOA (@AndrewKVOA) March 3, 2020

News 4 Tucson reached out to schools across Southern Arizona to see what precautions they are taking.

Flowing Wells School District said the following:

"We have been communicating with sites to review procedural steps to reduce the spread of infection like hand washing, social distance, covering coughs, and remaining at home with a fever or not feeling well."

Sunnyside School District told News 4 Tucson:

"Our main priority is the health and safety of our students, staff, parents, and community."

Tucson Unified School District responded with the following:

"The district assembled a small inter-departmental team representing all major operational areas of the district to finalize a comprehensive plan for a potential district closure due to a possible community outbreak of the coronavirus."

TUSD also cancelled a planned summer trip to South Korea as part of the Tucson Korea Ambassador Program due to the coronavirus.

Marana Unified School District:

"They regularly take preventative measures to provide a healthy learning environment for students and employees. Measures to prevent many illnesses like the flu and Coronavirus."

Amphi School District:

"The likelihood of closing schools is extremely low, but not zero. In the highly unlikely event that Pima County Health Department has to shut down your child's school, have a plan for who will take care of your child."

Catalina Foothills School District:

"We are expanding our everyday preventive actions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

Some of the preventative action responses included what Doctor Carmona recommends.

"Use the public health handshake which is bump elbows. If you are going to sneeze or cough, cough into your arm," he said.

Carmona said to listen to your doctor. Do not take advice from a friend. He also said if you or your student are sick, do not go to work or school.