A New Hampshire man who this week tested positive as the first case of coronavirus in the state is bringing self-quarantine to the forefront after he ignored medical advice to stay home.

a view of a christmas tree © Provided by FOX News

Instead of avoiding contact with others – as he was advised to do after he visited the doctor Friday, with a fever and respiratory problems – that same night the man went to a mixer for medical workers and students near Dartmouth’s campus, The New York Times reported.

On Monday, the man, who works at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., tested positive for the virus and this week a second patient who had “close contact” with him tested positive as well and is in self-quarantine.

The man is now under official order from New Hampshire’s health commissioner to stay home.

LOS ANGELES COULD EVENTUALLY BAR FANS FROM SPORTING EVENTS AMID CORONAVIRUS SPREAD

“The individual is complying now,” said Jake Leon, communications director for the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, according to the Times.

a man wearing a suit and tie: Indiana Republican Senator Mike Braun discusses emergency funding and congressional efforts to combat coronavirus. © Provided by FOX News Indiana Republican Senator Mike Braun discusses emergency funding and congressional efforts to combat coronavirus.

Dartmouth sent out an email Tuesday about possible exposure from the man at the mixer.

Some on social media said the man should face legal consequences for ignoring the advice to self-quarantine, but he didn’t violate any laws at the time, the Times reported.

“You can’t bring criminal charges for being a bonehead or just not doing what you were told was advisable to do,” said Wendy Parmet, faculty director of the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern University. “It’s not illegal to ignore the advice of your health care provider, or even the health department until officials follow the particular procedures to issue a formal health order, and those procedures vary by state.”

Replay Video
UP NEXT
1
Cancel
Facebook employee in Seattle diagnosed with coronavirus, as 39 infected in region
FOX News
See more videos
What to watch next
UP NEXT
UP NEXT

The man could now face misdemeanor charges if he defies the health commissioner's order.

She added she didn’t want to discourage people from getting tested over concerns they could face legal repercussions. “Those are consequences that deter testing, treatment and compliance,” she said.

The man started having symptoms after he returned from Italy recently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Friday said anyone returning from the country should self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor their symptoms.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Vermont music and comedy club across the border from Dartmouth where the mixer was held said they are professionally cleaning the space and they’ve canceled three events so far this week, The Times reported.

Read More
Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Feedback

Found the story interesting?

Like us on Facebook to see similar stories


Send MSN Feedback

We appreciate your input!

Please give an overall site rating: