COVID-19 outbreak at Harper’s climbs to 25 cases

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 — Anyone who visited Harper’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in East Lansing between June 12-20 is being advised to self-quarantine as officials at the Ingham County Health Department track a growing coronavirus outbreak tied to its recent reopening.

Health Department officials announced today that 25 people who visited the bar since it reopened for inside dining June 8 have confirmed cases of COVID-19. All of them are between the ages of 18 and 23. Most have mild symptoms. Four are asymptomatic. None have been hospitalized, officials said.

“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 Health Officer Linda Vail, noting more cases are likely.

In addition to seeking testing, those who visited Harper’s from June 12 -20 are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days. During such time people should stay home, self-monitor for symptoms and distance themselves from other household contacts like family and roommates.

Even those who are tested and test negative should continue the self-quarantine because of the possibility of a false negative result, officials warned. Essential workers may be exempted from self-quarantine by their employers, so long as the employer has strict safety protocols in place.

Visit michigan.gov/coronavirustest to find a listing of nearby coronavirus testing sites.