107 coronavirus infections now linked to one college town bar, Michigan officials say

More than 100 coronavirus cases have been linked to a popular college town bar that recently reopened in Michigan, health officials say.

News broke last week that at least 14 people had contracted the virus after visiting Harper’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in East Lansing, home to Michigan Sate University, between June 12 and 20. All who tested positive were said to be between the ages of 16 and 28.

Now, the Ingham County Health Department says that number is up to 107.

“Given the number of cases in this outbreak, we consider this a higher risk exposure than a typical visit to a restaurant or bar,” health officer Linda S. Vail said in a statement last week. “There are likely more people infected with COVID-19 not yet identified.”

Twelve of the cases are believed to be secondary infections, which means they were likely exposed to someone who went to the bar, health officials said.

Most of the people who tested positive have mild symptoms and 28 are asymptomatic, according to officials. None have been hospitalized.

They advise anyone who visited the bar between June 12 and 20 to self-quarantine for at least 14 days.

Harper’s Restaurant & Brew Pub reopened at half capacity on June 8, per state guidelines, McClatchy News previously reported. The bar temporarily closed on June 22 after the outbreak was detected.

Now, the city has issued an emergency order capping restaurant capacity at 50% or 75 people, whichever comes first, according to officials

.“Large crowds are difficult to control,” Vail said. “By allowing no more than 75 people, restaurants and bars will be better able to enforce social distancing and the use of masks and face coverings. I strongly encourage all bars and restaurants to strictly enforce safety measures and to do all they can to help stop the spread of coronavirus in our community.”

Videos shared on social media of Harper’s June 8 reopening showed the line to get in stretching down the street with a packed dance floor inside.

This story was originally published June 28, 2020 at 7:15 AM with the headline "107 coronavirus infections now linked to one college town bar, Michigan officials say."