LOS ANGELES (AP) — California has surpassed 25,000 deaths from the coronavirus. The state reported the grim milestone Thursday as hospital workers are pushed to the breaking point, bracing for an anticipated surge after the holidays.

Public health officials continued to plead with residents just hours before the start of 2021 not to gather for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Hospitals are housing patients in hallways, conference rooms, a cafeteria and gift shops. Makeshift hospitals are being set up in tents, arenas and schools.

The state became the third in the U.S. to reach 25,000 deaths, behind New York and Texas.