As of Sunday, the U.S. COVID-19 cases surged past 1,639,000 with death toll at 97,599, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.  

But people in Florida have started to gather at beaches to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend, disregarding coronavirus social-distancing rules, according to the Associated Press.

Sheriff's deputies and beach patrols reported seeing big crowds of people at beaches, parks, and other recreation sites around the country. Authorities in each area tried hard to warn people to follow the social distancing rules.

In the Tampa area along Florida's Gulf Coast, the crowds were so big at one beach front that authorities had to shut down parking lots because they had quickly reached full capacity.

Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, expressed her strong concerns about large gatherings over the weekend on Sunday.

"We really want to be clear all the time that social distancing is absolutely critical. And if you can't social distance and you're outside, you must wear a mask,” she said.

In Daytona Beach, Florida, gunfire erupted on Saturday night along a beachside road where several were wounded and taken to the hospital. Despite social distancing rules, more than 200 people had been seen gathering at beaches, partying and dancing, authorities said.

"We got slammed. Disney is closed, Universal is closed. Everything is closed so where did everybody come with the first warm day with 50% opening? Everybody came to the beach," Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said at a Sunday news conference, referring to crowds in the Daytona Beach area, according to the Associated Press.

As Brazil has become the world No. 2 hot spot for COVID-19 cases, the White House announced Sunday that it is imposing travel bans on non-US citizens traveling from Brazil to the United States. 

"Today's action will help ensure foreign nationals who have been in Brazil do not become a source of additional infections in our country. These new restrictions do not apply to the flow of commerce between the United States and Brazil," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said.

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