EAST LANSING, MI – Positive cases of COVID-19 coronavirus tracked in an East Lansing bar have risen to 107 a week after health officials warned the public about possible exposure.
The outbreak has prompted the Ingham County Health Department to issue an emergency order to reduce the restaurant’s capacity to 50% or no more than 75 people, whichever is less.
Health officials first warned about the exposure site on Tuesday, June 23, when there were 14 known cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus associated with visits to Harper’s and Brew Pub restaurants between June 12 and 20. On the following day, the total number of cases increased to 25. On the following day, 51 cases were identified. As of Monday, June 29, there are 107 positive cases linked to the bar.
The county’s emergency order is above Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order that allowed restaurants and bars to open to 50% of capacity, but did not impose a limit on the number of customers. Local order affects establishments with a normal capacity of 150 or more.
Violation of the order is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and / or a fine of up to $ 200.
“Large crowds are difficult to control,” said Linda S. Vail, Ingham County Health Officer. By not allowing more than 75 people, restaurants and bars will be better able to enforce social distancing and the use of face masks and covers. I strongly recommend that all bars and restaurants strictly enforce security measures and do everything possible to help stop the spread of the coronavirus in our community. “
Of the 107 people infected with the virus, 95 are primary cases, meaning they visited Harper’s during the exposure period, the health department said. The remaining 12 are secondary cases, meaning they were in contact with someone who visited the bar during the exposure period.
Fifty-nine of the top 95 cases are in Ingham County residents, the health department said. The others reside in Clinton, Oakland, Wayne, St. Clair, Macomb, Eaton, Shiawassee, Livingston, Kalamazoo, Ottawa, Berrien and Calhoun counties.
All people with Harper-related cases are between the ages of 16 and 28, the health department said. None of them has been hospitalized. Most have mild symptoms. Twenty-eight are asymptomatic, which means they have no symptoms but are contagious. At least 40 percent are Michigan State University (MSU) students or recent graduates.
People who visited Harper’s from June 12 to 20 are considered exposed and have been asked to quarantine for 14 days from their visit, the health department said. They should also look for evidence of coronavirus.
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.
Harper’s followed employee safety procedures, capacity, and table spacing when inspected by the health department after cases were linked. The bar was voluntarily closed to improve security, including modifications to its HVAC system.
A public test event will be held on June 30 from 12 to 4 pm on the MSU campus at 846 Service Road in East Lansing. There is no cost and no appointment is necessary. Also, anyone who wants to be tested can contact their primary care physician or visit a test site at no cost.
On Monday, June 29, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 236 new cases and four new deaths associated with the coronavirus, bringing state totals to 63,497 known cases of COVID-19 and 5,915 deaths.
Monday’s new cases were less than the seven-day moving average, which has increased to 290 new cases per day. The four new deaths were less than the seven-day average of seven deaths per day, marking a continuous downward trend.
CORONAVIRUS 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 away 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 nose inside closed public spaces.
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