The World Health Organization reported Sunday more than 183,000 new COVID-19 cases globally over the past 24 hours - the largest single day increase during the pandemic.

The UN health agency says Brazil, the U.S. and India accounted for the majority of the uptick.

Experts believe the surge in numbers is mainly due to more widespread testing and broader infection. 

According to the WHO, the U.S. reported 36,617 new cases over a 24-hour period, which is the highest daily count during the past month. As more U.S. states are moving to the next phase of reopening, medical experts say it's vital to maintain social distancing rules to prevent the second wave of the virus infection.

However, public health experts argue a "second wave" is probably not a correct term to describe the current situation in the U.S.. "When you have 20,000-plus infections per day, how can you talk about a second wave?" said Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health. "We're in the first wave. Let's get out of the first wave before you have a second wave."

Many people are worried about another spike this fall or winter, as schools reopen, the weather becomes colder and less humid, and outdoor activities decline.

Although the number of COVID-19 cases continue to grow around the world, more countries are relaxing quarantines.

Spain removed its national emergency status Sunday after three months of lockdown restrictions. The change will allow 47 million citizens to travel around the country.

"This freedom that we now have, that we don't have to justify our journey to see our family and friends, this was something that we were really looking forward to." 23-year-old Pedro Delgado told the Associated Press at Madrid's airport.

People must follow social distancing rules and wear face masks for all indoor and outdoor activities.

Travelers from European countries as well as Britain are now able to enter Spain without having to quarantine for 14 days.

In Italy, the Health Ministry is calling for a national assessment of the WHO's recommendations that people with COVID-19 can be released from isolation if they have no symptoms for at least three days, instead of relying on negative test results.

The change is expected to give hope to thousands of people who are infected with the virus.

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