Labor Day weekend in the U.S. is a holiday when friends and families celebrate the end of summer, but public health officials worry the festivities could result in a surge in COVID-19 cases.

We've been through this before, said U.S.infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci.

We see what happens over holiday weekends, and we want to make sure we don’t have an uptick. What I have been saying is kind of a plea to the American public, and to the younger people, that they can enjoy themselves over Labor Day weekend, but please be aware of and adhere to public health guidelines, he said.

After the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holiday weekends, the U.S. witnessed upticks in COVID-19 cases nationwide.

Going into the Labor Day weekend,The New York Timesreports, the U.S. was averaging about 40,000 new cases per day, almost double the amount ahead of Memorial Day weekend last May.

Several governors are urging Americans to wear masks, practice social distancing and follow other COVID-19 guidelines.

Many holiday weekend events including traditional parades have been canceled, while sports events such as the Kentucky Derby, took place without fans.

Reuters reports COVID-19 cases are rising in 22 out of the 50 states, with most being in less populated, rural areas in the south and midwest.

The reopening of schools and colleges and large gatherings are also contributing to high coronavirus cases.

With fall on its way, Dr. Fauci says it's crucial to contain the virus before cold weather and the flu season arrives.

As people stay indoors, the risk of contagion increases, according to Reuters.

(CGTN)