(WWJ) Health officials say the number of positive COVID-19 cases linked East Lansing bar is growing.
A total of 34 people who recently visited Harper's Restaurant & Brew Pub have now tested positive for the coronavirus disease, according to the The Ingham County Health Department, which is now everyone went there from June 12-20 to self-quarantine for 14 days.
All of the people with cases linked to Harper's are between the ages of 18 and 23, officials said, adding that one of the new cases confirmed Wednesday is a secondary case.
All who were there are urged to get tested, even if they don't have symptoms.
"Given the number of cases in this outbreak, we consider this a higher risk exposure than a typical visit to a restaurant or bar," said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. "There are likely more people infected with COVID-19 not yet identified. We need help from people who went to Harper's during the exposure dates so that we can contain the outbreak. We need everyone exposed to stay home."
During the self-quarantine, people should stay home, self-monitor for symptoms and distance themselves from other household contacts like family and roommates, health officials said.
Those who are tested and test negative should continue the self-quarantine because of the possibility of a false negative result. Essential workers may be exempted from self-quarantine by their employers so long as the employer has strict protocols in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the workplace.
All of the people with cases linked to Harper's are between the ages of 18 and 23, officials said. Some have permanent residence in other Michigan counties. None have been hospitalized. Most have mild symptoms. Four are asymptomatic.
Harper's voluntarily opted to close temporarily late Monday.
"Anyone could have COVID-19. You never know because some people with coronavirus are not yet sick, and some people never have signs of the disease," said Vail. "We need people to treat every person they encounter as a potential carrier. That means wearing masks and keeping 6 feet away from others. I strongly urge everyone to take precautions so that we can keep infections down and keep businesses open."
On Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cited the Harper's outbreak as one of the reasons she decided against moving the rest of the state to Phase 5 over her reopening plan this week, nothing that Harper's has been highlighted social media for having big crowds.
Whitmer said health officials are concerned about spikes in some parts of Michigan, and are keeping a close eye on these outbreaks.
"We know that COVID-19 is still here, and that's why every one of us has to continue to take this seriously," the governor told WWJ's Tim Skubick. "If we can trace and keep it from spreading exponentially we'll be OK, but if people just drop their guard and don't answer the phone when the department of public health calls...it is something that I think can put all of this sacrifice that we've made in jeopardy."
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday reported 323 news confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Michigan today — the biggest increase since May 31.
While restaurants and bars in Michigan were allowed to open on June 8, with limited capacities, Whitmer said she will not rule out the possibility that we may have to take a step back if cases continue to increase.
To prevent the spread of coronavirus, people should maintain a distance of 6 feet away from others, wear a mask or face covering, wash their hands, and stay home if they feel sick. Many options are available for coronavirus testing in the community. People can contact their primary care physician or visit a no-cost testing site. A list is available here.
As for Harper's, the bar is closed for the time being.
Owners Pat and Trisha Riley released the following statement:
"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's why we have taken every measure to not only meet, but exceed, local, state and federal guidance for reopening during this COVID-19 health pandemic, which has been confirmed by the Ingham County Health Department. That's also why we have closed temporarily, to implement added safety precautions.
"We understand that people who tested positive for COVID-19 visited our establishment 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 app that will help negate city sidewalk lines that we have no control or authority over. We are also making sure all of our employees are tested. As a family-owned and operated business, we will not waiver from our commitment to go above and beyond, diligently maintaining health standards and protocols to help keep our employees and guests safe."
In addition to extensive cleaning procedures, mask and other safety rules in light of the pandemic, the owners say Harper's additional COVID-19 mitigation strategies include:
- Paying for as needed, regular ongoing COVID testing for all employees.
- Investing in and implementing a new virtual line management app to eliminate the outside lines that alarmed us on city sidewalks. While Harper's had put down 6-foot social distancing markings hoping that would be a guide, the restaurant didn't have the authority to enforce on city property. This new system should eliminate those lines.
- Investing in and modifying the air handling system with air purifying technology to help remove viruses, bacteria and more.
- To help all establishments enforce appropriate and needed measures, Harper's is once again urging the city to remove the public drinking areas in downtown East Lansing that lead to crowding situations.
