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

ALPENA — The weekly number of new coronavirus infections among Northeast Michiganders is higher than at any point since April as a second wave of COVID-19 infections continues to surge.

In the past seven days, the region’s positive test count increased by 40, according to a News analysis of data public health officials released today. That’s the largest one-week gain since 55 new cases were recorded during the seven-day period ending April 26.

Regional rates of coronavirus-related hospitalization remain low, according to state data, but local public health officials on Tuesday reported the first death since Aug. 20 of a Northeast Michigander who had been infected with the virus.

Residents are asked to be vigilant and continue to follow recommendations to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus, health officials said.

District Health Department No. 4 announced four newly infected Alpena County residents, two newly infected Presque Isle County residents, and one newly infected Montmorency County resident.

Since the pandemic hit Michigan in mid-March, 145 Alpena County residents have been infected, 14 of whom have died and 115 have recovered. Another 21 Alpena County residents are listed as probable infections, meaning they’ve been exposed to an infected person but haven’t been tested, themselves.

Since March, 57 Presque Isle County residents have been infected, 24 of whom have recovered and one has died.

Check out the interactive chart below showing cumulative numbers of Northeast Michiganders infected by and recovered from the coronavirus and the number who have died after being infected with the virus. Story continues below chart.

Twenty-six Montmorency County residents have been infected since March, 17 of whom have recovered. Three Montmorency County residents are probably infected, but the county has seen no deaths related to COVID-19.

The confirmed-case totals in Alcona County held steady since Tuesday. Since March, 46 Alcona County residents have been infected, three of whom have died and 33 of whom have recovered. Currently, eight Alcona County residents are considered probable infections.

The numbers around the state continue to spike, especially in the Upper Peninsula.

The running total of confirmed infections in Michigan was 167,545, as of today, with 7,257 deaths.

Health officials continue to urge people to practice social distancing, and to wear masks while in public. Washing hands regularly and remaining home when sick will also limit the spread of the virus.