HEATH — The Licking County Health Department is investigating rumors a man wearing a face mask went into several Heath businesses, claiming he was exposed to the coronavirus and was supposed to be under quarantine.

On Wednesday, rumors surfaced that the man said he recently returned from China and was detained for two weeks at the Los Angeles International Airport for being exposed to COVID-19. Rumors also alleged the man said the Licking County Health Department was to quarantine him, but he refused.

According to the Licking County Health Department, Ohio has 212 travelers who arrived in the state from China that are under public health supervision.

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"These individuals have been asked to voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days to prevent the potential spread of the new coronavirus," the agency said via a press release. "There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio, and currently the disease poses a very low risk to county residents."

According to the Licking County Health Department, no one in the county is currently showing symptoms of the virus nor is anyone under investigation for the virus.

Licking County Health Department Spokeswoman Olivia Biggs told The Advocate: "We're aware of individuals (in Licking County) who are considered travelers...whom we have recommended them to stay home for the 14-day quarantine, although it is voluntary."

Biggs continued by saying the agency is uncertain if one of the recent travelers or just someone with a face mask saying those things was involved in the alleged Heath incident.

In a press release, the health department said they're working closely with those travelers to make sure they understand the parameters of self-quarantine, and reiterated those parameters on Thursday morning. The agency said they'll continue to stay in touch with them daily, which includes phone calls, home visits and daily temperature monitoring.

Asked if Licking County has any individuals under quarantine for possible coronavirus exposure, Biggs said the county "isn't sharing information about individuals under public health supervision," adding they aren't showing any symptoms nor under investigation. The agency said they will "share information as necessary to protect the public while balancing individual privacy."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coronavirus symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The agency said they believe symptoms of the virus can appear between two and 14 days after exposure.

The CDC reports there have been 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States, the majority of which have been travel-related.

The agency reports that cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in 42 countries across the world.

According to the Licking County Health Department, there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19 and the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure.

In order to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC recommends people:

• Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth

• Stay home while sick

• Cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

• Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread to others

• Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing

• Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap isn't readily available