With the number of COVID-19 cases growing around the U.S. and the world, people who are suspected of having novel coronavirus and those with confirmed cases have been asked to self-quarantine, or isolate themselves at home for at least 14 days to avoid spreading the disease to others.

But what happens if those people don't follow the advice of health officials? What if they decide to go to a party or the mall or out to dinner?

In addition to potentially exposing other people to the disease, they also could face fines $200 and up to six months in jail, or both, for violating the state's Public Health Code, said Lynn Sutfin, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

"The penalty for a violation of the Code, an order of a local health officer, or an order of the Department is a misdemeanor," she said.

"If the person was served with a 'warning notice' under MCL 333.5203, then the department/local health officer can seek further relief from a court. MCL 333.5205. This can include a court order to follow treatment, remain isolated, be committed to a facility, or any other relief that the court finds proper."

Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized that ordinary people can play a huge role in stemming COVID-19 transmission by the choices they make.

"If a health care provider, or a public health worker tells you to stay home for 14 days, unless you need medical care ... please do that," she said. "Right now, especially, individual actions can have an important impact on how this situation plays out. You may need to take a break from your normal daily routine for two weeks.

"So staying home when you are sick is really important. Don't let the illness spread beyond you. Stay away as much as you can from other people."

Contact Kristen Jordan Shamus: 313-222-5997 or kshamus@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kristenshamus.