The Phelps-Maries Health Department last Friday reported people could have been exposed to the Covid-19 coronavirus as they rode the rides at the Midway at the annual Belle Fair July 23, 24 and 25.

The health department reported an individual who was symptomatic with mild symptoms but not wearing a face covering, rode rides from 7 p.m. to close on Thursday and Friday and observed the Belle Dance Team from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Another individual who later tested positive for the virus also watched the Belle Dance Team perform at the fair.

“We cannot stress enough that even if you are experiencing very mild symptoms (frequently described as allergies, tickle in the throat, feeling of needing to cough to clear one’s throat) to stay home, isolate from others, and refrain from attending any public event or place of public accommodation,” the health department said.

The health department said people who were at the locations should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, practice social distancing and wear a mask while in public for 14 days from the date of potential exposure. Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and alert their healthcare provider.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The health department reports common symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, cough, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, loss of sense of smell or taste, headache, diarrhea and generalized muscle aches and pains.

“It’s best to assume that every location you visit is a location of potential exposure and take the appropriate precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your communities. It is critical that each and every one of us continues to practice preventative measures to help keep the spread of communicable diseases to a minimum,” the department stated.