The total number of positive cases of COVID-19 increased by more than 1,000 on Thursday, August 20, in the state.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the total number of positive cases was 71,733- up from 70,675 on Wednesday, August 19.

The number of COVID-19-related deaths increased by three from 1,414 on Wednesday to 1,417 on Thursday. However, DHSS does not report how many positive patients have recovered.

DHSS expects the next update to take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 21.