NEW CITY - As the death toll and positive cases of the coronavirus increase, Rockland authorities Wednesday ordered mandatory isolation for people infected with the highly contagious virus in an effort to separate sick people from those who are healthy.

The Rockland health "Commissioner’s Standing Isolation Order" comes as the county reported the sixth and seventh deaths from the virus and reported positive virus cases rose sharply to 1,069 as of Wednesday. The latest fatalities occurred Monday and involved people ages 72 and 82 who had significant health problems.

Rockland's first positive cases were disclosed March 6. On Monday, the county reported five deaths and 623 positive cases of the coronavirus.

CORONAVIRUS: death toll in Rockland reaches 5; positive COVID-19 tests at 623

While Westchester County has released a breakdown of coronavirus positive tests per municipality, Rockland officials have not provided that information.

The commissioner's order released by the county directs people with positive COVID-19 test results to stay home or at other places as ordered by the Department of Health. The length of the isolation depends on symptoms.

People who do not follow the isolation order can face fines up to $2,000 per day. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their children comply and will face the same fines, according to officials.

“If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you must follow the guidance outlined in the order," Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Ruppert said in a news release. "Everyone’s cooperation with all guidance from the Rockland County Health Department is needed to curb the spread of the disease and prevent further disability and death among our neighbors.

"Your actions throughout this outbreak will make the difference between life and death for members of our community,” Ruppert said.

In general, to curb the spread of the virus, the state, under Gov. Andrew Cuomo's "New York State on Pause," enacted drastic measures asking all New York residents to stay home, including children and teens not in school.

The exceptions include people shopping for food, medical supplies, or workers deemed essential employees who must work outside the home.

People are also encouraged to use delivery services for takeout meals from restaurants or curbside pickup when possible. The suggestions also include staying at least six feet away from other people.

Ruppert said if people become mildly ill, they should stay home and manage their symptoms. Residents who have symptoms indicative of COVID-19 should contact their medical provider. Dialing 911 is discouraged outside of an emergency, she said.

People tested at the mobile site at Anthony Wayne Recreational Area in Harriman State Park may access test results through the BioReference Laboratories patient portal, she said. Visit the Rockland County Department of Health’s COVID-19 page for information on how to do so.

What the isolation order means

The "Commissioner’s Standing Isolation Order" is aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The order includes people who test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms, and must stay at home for:

At least seven days after illness started and at least 72 hours (three days) after being fever-free (without taking medicine to reduce a fever) and other respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) are improving.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have no symptoms, you must stay at home for at least seven days after the first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test and no symptoms develop. If symptoms develop, follow the instructions above.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have been designated by your employer as health care personnel, you must stay at home for at least seven days after illness started and at least 72 hours (three days) after being fever-free (without taking medicine to reduce a fever) and other respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) are improving.

Upon returning to work, you should wear a face mask at all times while in the health care facility until all symptoms are completely gone or until 14 days after the illness started, whichever is longer.

ROCKLAND: First-responders do their jobs amid coronavirus and other communicable illnesses

CORONAVIRUS: Front-line nurses say they're 'going into a battle we're just not prepared for'

INTERACTIVE MAP: Check our interactive map of cases by county in New York

SCHOOLS: Rockland schools create care for kids of emergency medical workers

Coronavirus cases are rising dramatically each day, County Executive Ed Day and Ruppert have said.

Over the past weekend, the number of confirmed cases in Rockland jumped to 623, up from 230 on Friday, a 171% increase. Day-to-day increases have risen sharply as the outbreak continues: There were 31 confirmed cases on March 17, 45 cases on March 18, and 80 on March 19.

Staff writer Nancy Cutler contributed to this article.

Twitter: @lohudlegal

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com. Twitter: @lohudlegal Read more articles and bio. Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.