On Thursday, the U.S. recorded more than 75,000 new COVID-19 cases nationwide.

Based off of tracking databases by the New York Times and Washington Post, this is the 11th time in the past month, the U.S. has broken a daily record for new cases. 

The New York Times reports, the number of daily cases has more than doubled since June 24th. 

The number of COVID-19 deaths is also increasing at alarming rates. 

The Center for Public Integrity reports, 18 states are in the "red zone" and should reverse their reopening plans, according to White House Coronavirus Task Force documents.

Health officials also strongly recommend everyone in those 18 states wear masks and follow COVID-19 guidelines. 

As the national debate on the use of face masks continues, Miami-Date County, Florida's virus epicenter, implemented a fine of up to $100 for failing to follow the mask mandate. 

CNN reports, Miami-Dade County has a 33.5% COVID-19 positivity rate. 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has refused to implement a statewide face mask mandate and pause reopening plans. 

State and local officials are also battling over how to reopen schools for the upcoming academic year. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered counties in the state COVID-19 watchlist to close schools.

The 32 counties on that list must move to virtual learning, at least for the beginning of the school year. 

Los Angeles Unified and San Diego Unified, the two largest school districts in California, announced earlier this week they would start the school year with online-one courses. 

Iowa governor Kim Reynolds announced schools must prioritize in-person learning when classes begin in the fall.  

Iowa joins Florida and South Carolina in reopening schools. 

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