Courtesy Image An illustration of the coronavirus provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ALPENA — One more Alcona County resident has died after being infected with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, local public health officials said today, the first virus-related death of a Northeast Michigander since Aug. 20.

Two more more Alpena County residents and two more Alcona County residents also tested positive for COVID-19.

Health officials today also said visitors to the Red Brick Tap and Barrel in downtown Alpena from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday or Bolton Bar in Posen from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday may have been exposed to the virus and should monitor for symptoms.

The newly reported death brings to 18 the number of Northeast Michiganders who died after being infected since the pandemic hit Michigan in mid-March, including 14 Alpena County residents, three Alcona County residents, and one Presque Isle County resident.

Since March, 267 Northeast Michigan residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 141 Alpena County residents, 46 Alcona County residents, 25 Montmorency County residents, and 55 Presque Isle County residents.

Of those, 189 have recovered.

Statewide, officials announced 2,367 new cases and 28 new deaths today. Since March, 164,274 Michiganders have been infected and 7,239 have died.

Those who were at Red Brick or Bolton Bar during the times announced by health officials should monitor for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, fever or chills, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a recent loss of taste or smell.

If symptoms develop, individuals should immediately quarantine themselves and contact their doctor to consider testing.

Public health officials said family and public gatherings are one of the ways the virus is being spread and that about 40% of COVID-19 cases appear to be asymptomatic. Asymptomatic cases are especially difficult because they are not sick and are not staying home.