Harper's (Photo: Facebook)
For those who think the pandemic is no longer an issue, think again.
Ingham County's Health Department says at least 34 young people who visited Harper's Restaurant and Brew Pub on Albert Street in East Lansing between June 12-20 have tested positive for coronavirus.
The popular spot is near Michigan State University. Health officials advise customers who visited the bar during that period to get tested.
"Given the number of cases in this outbreak, we consider this a higher risk exposure than a typical visit to a restaurant or bar," county health officer Linda S. Vail says in a Wednesday statement.
"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."
The department counts 34 positive diagnoses as of Wednesday afternoon, the Lansing State Journal reports.
An initial release said at least 14 people were infected, a number that was updated Wesdnesday morning to 25 in a release that says:
All of the people with cases linked to Harper’s are between the ages of 18 and 23. ... None have been hospitalized. Most have mild symptoms. Four are asymptomatic. ...
During the self-quarantine, people should stay home, self-monitor for symptoms and distance themselves from other household contacts like family and roommates.
On Monday, on Facebook, Harper's announced a shutdown for now:
"Today we have chosen to close temporarily to do two things – implement a program to eliminate lines, and to modify our HVAC system to install an air purifying technology that will remove 99.4% of the Covid-19 virus (including other viruses, bacteria and mold) while the air is being conditioned and re-circulated.
"When we have finished implementing these two strategies, we will have the most state-of-the-art neighborhood venue for you to visit safely."
