Updated 6/29/2020 at 6:15pm ET: According to Kara Berg of the Lansing State Journal, the number of COVID-19 cases linked to Harper’s Brew Pub has now reached 107 cases, prompting local officials to limit the amount of patrons allowed in bars and restaurants effective immediately.
A COVID-19 outbreak that started at Harper’s New Pub in East Lansing has now spread across the state according to health officials.
Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail told CNN that at least 85 people have contracted the virus stemming from the bar’s reopening during the week of June 12-20.
According to the Detroit Free Press, one of the patrons of Harper’s from the Gross Pointe Woods area in southeast Michigan returned home unaware they had contracted the virus at the bar and then held a large party at their home, resulting in a spike of positive tests in the area. The Grosse Pointe areas recorded 12 positive tests on Friday according to Grosse Pointe Park Councilwoman Aimee Fluitt. That marks a 600% jump from the prior day’s total of two positive tests.
Harper’s has since closed temporarily to install new safety features, but county health inspectors found the bar had been in compliance with safety regulations during its reopening.
It is not yet known if any Michigan State athletes have been infected due to the outbreak near campus. Two additional athletes tested positive for the virus one week after their initial negative test upon returning to campus.
