EAST LANSING, MI – Coronavirus cases linked to East Lansing bar Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub have soared to 152.
The surge in cases was reported on July 2. The infections spread to 13 counties around the state, according to the Detroit Free Press. Some of the cases reported are considered secondary cases, meaning people who were not at the pub contracted the virus from being in close contact with those who were, according the Free Press.
Of the new number of cases, 128 people said they directly visited the bar with the rest being secondary cases, according to the Free Press. First-hand cases range from people aged 18-28, with secondary cases ranging from 16-63, according to an article from the Detroit News
The number sprung up from the reported 138 cases on Wednesday, according to the Detroit News. The Free Press article reported the following counties where these cases have popped up:
- Berrien
- Calhoun
- Clinton
- Eaton
- Ingham
- Livingston
- Macomb
- Manistee
- Oakland
- Ottawa
- Shiawassee
- St. Clair
- Wayne
Anyone who visited Harper’s during June 12-20 may have been exposed to the virus and are asked to self-quarantine and get tested, according to the Detroit News.
In response to high-profile outbreaks from bars like Harper’s, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closed most indoor bar services in the state.
“Following recent outbreaks tied to bars, I am taking this action today to slow the spread of the virus and keep people safe,” Whitmer said. “If we want to be in a strong position to reopen schools for in-person classroom instruction this fall, then we need to take aggressive action right now to ensure we don’t wipe out all the progress we have made.”
Whitmer shuts down indoor bar service in most of Michigan
County Health Officer Linda Vail told the Free Press that the crowd at Harper’s were mainly young college students living in East Lansing or those who had friends there and were coming up to visit. While the bar was set at a capacity of 45%, there were as many as 225 people inside the bar, according to the Free Press.
The Detroit News reported that a Facebook post was made by Harper’s saying that they were working on eliminating lines and installing air purifying technology. Its Facebook page has since gone private.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.