Coronavirus cases are on the rise in 36 U.S. states, as the total number of confirmed infections in the country tops 2.5 million. The surge is particularly apparent in the South and West of the country. 

Florida, Texas and Arizona have been reporting record numbers of new COVID-19 cases for weeks now and are emerging as the country's newest epicenters.

Other states with surging new cases include Georgia, Tennessee, Idaho and Utah.

Florida reported 9,585 new cases on Saturday, a record high. 

Texas hit a new hospitalizations record Saturday for the 16th consecutive day, treating a total of 5,523 COVID-19 patients.

On Sunday Arizona reported 3,858 new cases of COVID-19, breaking its daily record.

Only two U.S. states, Connecticut and Rhode Island, are reporting a decline in new cases compared to last week.

Miami will close its famous beaches for the July 4th holiday weekend as COVID-19 cases spike.

"As we continue to see more COVID-19 positive test results among young adults and rising hospitalizations, I have decided that the only prudent thing to do to tamp down this recent uptick is to crack down on recreational activities that put our overall community at higher risk,”Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said on Friday.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday ordered bars in Los Angeles and six other counties to close again in reaction to that state's spike in COVID-19 cases.