LANSING, Mich. – Michigan liquor regulators on Thursday ordered an East Lansing bar to answer questions about a coronavirus outbreak that infected 186 people and was a factor in Gov. A hearing, scheduled for July 23, could result in a license suspension or revocation for Harper's Restaurant and Brewpub, which currently is closed. Of the 186 COVID-19 cases linked to the bar, 144 of the infected people visited the establishment and 42 others were likely infected by someone who went there, said Ingham County Health Department spokeswoman Amanda Darche. The state health department on Thursday reported 645 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths, including 13 deaths that occurred weeks or days earlier. Also Thursday, a judge rejected a movie theater's lawsuit challenging the Democratic governor's closure of movie theaters in lower Michigan to curb the virus.

Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Directive to develop rules to require implicit bias training for health professionals to address racial disparities. Executive Directive 2020-7 directs the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to begin developing rules that will require implicit bias training as part of the knowledge and skills necessary for licensure, registration and renewal of licenses and registrations of health professionals in Michigan. Implicit bias training was one of the recommendations made by the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities. The evidence shows that training in implicit bias can make a positive difference, so today we are taking action to help improve racial equity across Michigans health care system. Governor Gilchrist II, chair of the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities.

Gretchen Whitmer said she believes those numbers are because of uneven health care delivery and signed an Executive Directive to develop rules to require implicit bias training for health professionals to address racial disparities. Michigan COVID-19 cases by race as of July 5, 2020. (WDIV)The governors task force said people of color suffer in medical settings from the unconscious bias by medical professionals. She turned to Dr. Randolph Rasch, Dean and Professor of the Michigan State University College of Nursing, who spoke extensively about what implicit bias is. The practical impact of Executive Directive 2020-7 means those looking to get a new license or wants to renew their medical license will have to undergo bias training.