More than 30 virus cases linked to East Lansing bar

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — More than 30 cases of the coronavirus have been linked to a popular bar near Michigan State University, health officials said Wednesday as they urged people to self-quarantine if they had visited the business.

People who were at Harper’s in East Lansing between June 12-20 should stay home for 14 days, “self-monitor for symptoms and distance themselves from other household contacts like family and roommates,” the Ingham County health department said.

At least 33 people who were at Harper’s have tested positive for the virus, department spokeswoman Amanda Darche said. Another person got it from someone who visited Harper’s.

“We need everyone exposed to stay home,” county health officer Linda Vail said.

Most people who tested positive have mild symptoms while some were asymptomatic, the health department said.

Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub has temporarily closed after reopening on June 8.

“We understand that people who tested positive for COVID-19 visited our establishment as well as several others in East Lansing,” owners Pat and Trisha Riley said. “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.”

Meanwhile, the state health department reported 323 new cases statewide Wednesday, the highest daily figure in June, and four deaths.