EAST LANSING, MI – A coronavirus outbreak has been linked to an East Lansing bar with an additional 11 people who tested positive for respiratory illness a day after health officials advised clients to monitor for symptoms.
There are now 25 cases of COVID-19 coronavirus related to Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub, and “there are probably more people infected,” health officials warn. The Ingham County Health Department is asking anyone who visited the bar from June 12 to 20 to be quarantined for 14 days and tested.
“Given the number of cases in this outbreak, we consider this to be a higher risk exposure than a typical visit to a restaurant or bar,” said Linda S. Vail, Ingham County Health Officer. “There are likely to be more unidentified COVID-19 infected people. We need help from people who went to Harper’s during the exposure dates so that we can contain the outbreak. We need everyone to be exposed to staying home.”
During quarantine, people should stay home, control symptoms, and distance themselves from other household members.
Even Harper customers who test negative for the virus should continue to be quarantined because there is a possibility of false negative results, the health department said.
All people with Harper-related cases are between the ages of 18 and 23, the health department said. Some have permanent residence in other Michigan counties. None have been hospitalized; Most have mild symptoms. Four are asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms but are contagious.
Harper’s followed employee safety procedures, capacity, and table spacing when inspected by the health department after cases were related to it. The bar voluntarily closed Monday night to improve security, including modifications to its HVAC system.
People who want to be tested for the coronavirus can contact their primary care physician or visit a test site at no cost.
On Wednesday, June 24, Michigan health officials reported 323 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, which is more than 100 more than the most recent seven-day moving average and the most of any day this month. There were also four new deaths due to the virus. The additions increased state totals to 61,953 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 5,868 deaths related to infectious respiratory disease.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing their hands regularly and not touching their faces, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone can carry the virus.
Health officials say you should stay at least 6 feet from others and work from home, if possible.
Use sanitizing wipes or sanitizing spray cleaners on frequently touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and bring hand sanitizer when you go to places like stores.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also issued an executive order requiring people to cover their faces with their mouths and noses while inside closed public spaces.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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