Friday’s updated statistics show Mississippi’s daily number of new coronavirus cases was slightly above the trailing 7- and 14-day averages as the total confirmed cases rose above 70,000.

The Mississippi State Department of Health reported 944 new coronavirus cases Friday and 32 more deaths from the prior day. The deaths reported Friday included 11 deaths that actually occurred between June 17 and July 31, but were delayed in reporting.

The total number of deaths reported in August — which includes some delayed cases from prior months — appears to be on track to set a new monthly record. With less than half the month completed, August’s 381 reported death toll is on track to top July’s record 593 deaths.

In total, 70,930 cases have been found in the state since March. The state believes nearly 50,000 of those cases have recovered.

A total of 2,043 people in Mississippi have died as a result of coronavirus, the state reported.

The 7-day and 14-day averages of new cases continued to decline, indicating that the state’s measures aimed at slowing the virus’ spread may be working.

The 7-day, daily average of new cases dropped to 785 with Friday’s update.

The 14-day, daily average dropped to 870 cases per day.