Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub owners release statement on COVID-19 cases

EAST LANSING, Mich. – At least 18 people who visited an East Lansing bar tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), authorities said.

Patients who tested positive visited Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub between June 12-20. They are all 19 to 23 years old, authorities said.

Read the full statement below

“Our small family business takes its role and responsibility in our community very seriously, especially when it comes to the health and safety of our customers and team members. That is why we have taken all steps to not only meet, but also exceed, local, state, and federal guidelines for reopening during this COVID-19 health pandemic, which has been confirmed by the Ingham County Health Department. . That is why we have also temporarily closed, to implement additional security precautions. We understand that people who tested positive for COVID-19 visited our facility, as well as several others in East Lansing. So before we are open, we are investing in new air filtration technology, as well as a virtual line management application that will help deny the city’s sidewalk lines over which we have no control or authority. We also make sure that all of our employees are evaluated. As a family owned and operated business, we will not give up on our commitment to go further, diligently maintaining health standards and protocols to help keep our employees and guests safe. “

Additional Harper COVID-19 mitigation strategies:

• Pay as needed, regular and continuous COVID testing for all employees.
• Invest and implement a new virtual line management application to eliminate the external lines that alarmed us on the sidewalks of the city. While Harper’s had placed 6-foot social distancing marks in hopes that that would be a guide, the restaurant did not have the authority to enforce on city property. This new system should eliminate those lines.
• Reverse and modify the air treatment system with air purification technology to help eliminate viruses, bacteria and more.
• To help all establishments apply appropriate and necessary measures, Harper’s once again urges the city to eliminate public alcohol use areas in downtown East Lansing that lead to overcrowded situations.

COVID-19 standards established, other mitigation strategies implemented:

• All employees and providers must undergo a health assessment process upon entering the building.
• All employees and suppliers must wear face coat while working supplied free of charge by Harper’s.
• Frequent deep cleaning and disinfection procedures are implemented for all customer contact points and contact surfaces.
• All tables are set up for proper social distancing and where impossible, Plexiglass partitions have been installed to separate the tables.
• Operating at a maximum capacity of 50%.

Beyond previous state and local standards, Harper’s has implemented additional policies and procedures, and has also made significant financial investments, to help make the environment as safe as possible:

• Free face masks are provided to all customers upon login.
• All bathrooms have been converted to non-contact environments by installing non-contact hand dryers, taps, urine discharge devices, and toilets (60 devices)
• Since its reopening, Harper’s closes two days a week for deep deep cleaning and disinfection.
• Hand sanitizer is available throughout the restaurant and in bathrooms with over 100 gallons available.
• All dishes and kitchen utensils undergo two steps through our dishwasher and high-temperature disinfectant machine.
• All bar stools have been removed to provide social distancing and to reduce any long-term contact.
• Chaining the deck tables to the bolts on the deck so they cannot be moved and are always 6 feet away
• Large banners have been placed inside and outside the building directing customers to the social distance and wearing face covers.
• Encourage customers to sit outside when weather permits to provide an outdoor air environment.
• Disposable plastic glassware is used to avoid multi-person use contact.
• Disposable single-use menus are used to prevent multi-person contact and to be used as a disposable location.
• Single-use disposable paper napkins are used to prevent transfer by contact.
• Disposable plastic cutlery is used to avoid the use of multiple people.
• Sealed individual disposable packages of salt, pepper and condiments are provided to avoid multiple touches of traditional serving containers.
• Regular communication with all staff and management to improve policies and procedures based on daily input.