The spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus appears to grow faster across Mississippi based on the latest numbers released from the state health department.

On Saturday, the state reported 751 new cases, bringing the total cases since the pandemic began in March to 110,006. Of those cases, the state believes approximately 94,000 have recovered.

The spike in cases over the last several days indicates the virus is spreading at a more rapid pace after the state’s mask mandate expired at the beginning of October.

In the last 14 days more than 9,800 new cases have been identified. It’s been since September 1 when Mississippi saw any 14-day period with more cases.

The state reported 10 new deaths Saturday. Of those deaths, all occurred between October 7 and October 15. A total of 3,171 people have died from the virus.

The state’s 7-day and 14-day, daily averages for new COVID-19 cases saw large increases with Saturday’s high number of daily cases.

The 7-day, daily average of new cases dropped slightly to 767 with Saturday’s update.

The 14-day, daily average rose to 703 cases per day, the highest number seen since September 1.