Mississippi’s hospital system continues to deal with a record number of COVID-19 coronavirus, the latest statistics from the Mississippi State Department of Health indicate.

The state reported that a total of 1,129 patients with either confirmed COVID-19 or suspect COVID awaiting tests were hospitalized, a new record high.

That’s a jump of more than 67 percent since the averages from late June.

The state reported that 278 COVID-19 patients were in ICU rooms and 132 required ventilators.

The issue of hospitalization has become an increasing concern for state health care leaders as several hospitals around the state have become unable to accept some patients requiring higher-level care because they do not have adequate space available.