EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Ingham County Health Department says 14 people have tested positive for COVID-19 after recently visiting Harper's Restaurant & Brewpub in downtown East Lansing.
The health department is encouraging people who were at Harper's between June 12 - June 20 to watch for symptoms.
The Ingham County Health Department said all of the people with COVID-19 cases linked to Harpers are between the ages of 19 and 23, with approximately half being linked to MSU. The health department said some have permanent residences in other Michigan counties.
Additionally, the health department said the increase in COVID-19 cases reported for June 22 was the largest the county had seen since May 27.
On Monday, Harper's Restaurant & Brewpub's management announced they have closed the business and won't reopen until it has a plan to eliminate lines, according to its Facebook page.
The business also added in its post it will modify the HVAC system while closed and "install an air-purifying technology that will remove 99.4% of the COVID-19 virus."
"This decision comes after much deliberation within our family," the post says. "Although we have developed and implemented procedures above and beyond the state’s requirements for re-opening, and made significant financial investments in complete touch-free restrooms, our family feels the responsibility to do more."
The health department said health inspectors found Harper's following appropriate safety procedures related to employees, restaurant capacity and table spacing.
Harper's has operated 131 Albert Ave. for 23 years.
It has received criticism on social media for its long lines snaking out to the sidewalk while other business have been closed or are forced to follow strict social distancing practices.
The business' Facebook page doesn't indicate when it cold reopen.
"We will keep you informed on our progress and will let you know as soon as we announce our second re-opening," the post says. "Hope to see you soon."
The health department said people with symptoms, which may develop up to 14 days after exposure, should get tested immediately for COVID-19. The health department said those without symptoms can also get tested.
As a reminder, the health department said asymptomatic infections do happen and can be contagious. Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, shortness of breath and fever.
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