Mississippi reported a higher-than-average number of new COVID-19 coronavirus cases Friday as the state prepares to begin the Labor Day weekend.

On Friday, the state reported 823 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours.

The state also reported 23 more deaths Friday from the prior day.

Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs warned earlier this week that Mississippians should stay away from large groups, wear facial coverings and try to socially distance from one another.

“As we approach the Labor Day holiday weekend, I implore you to take special precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Mississippi still has one of the highest rates of COVID in the U.S.,” Dobbs said. “Even modest-sized gatherings can greatly accelerate the transmission of this virus. As seen following Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, holiday get-togethers can drive massive increases in COVID cases and deaths.

Dobbs said if the majority of Mississippians would do those things the state should be able to avoid the spikes in coronavirus cases that occurred after the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays.

In total, 85,939 cases have been found in the state since March. The state believes approximately 68,000 of those cases have recovered.

A total of 2,558 people in Mississippi have died as a result of coronavirus, the state reported.

The 7-day, daily average of new cases rose to 664 with Friday’s update.

The 14-day, daily average dropped slightly to 687  cases per day.

* Note: A death previously reported in Lamar County was reported in error. The data above has been corrected to reflect this update.