The number of new cases recorded in the U.S. hit an all-time high Wednesday. The country recorded 200,174 new coronavirus cases, the first time the figure exceeded 200,000 cases in a single day.

The U.S. also logged another first – more than 100,000 hospitalizations during the same day. On Tuesday, the country hit another grim milestone after recording the highest daily COVID-related deaths of 2,798 people.

The figure dropped to 2,460 deaths on Wednesday. The previous record high for the U.S. was in April with 2,607 COVID-related deaths.

Out of the 200,174 new cases Wednesday, 20,759 were from California. The state has become the new coronavirus hotspot with its rapidly growing number of daily cases.

Apart from California, other states that recorded increased cases include Massachusetts, Mississippi, Alabama, and Vermont.

In terms of those admitted to hospitals, states such as South Dakota, Nevada, Indiana, Montana, and Nebraska have the most hospitalizations.

CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield warned that the death toll caused by COVID-19 could reach as high as 450,000 by February next year.

“The reality is, December and January and February are going to be rough times. I actually believe they’re going to be the most difficult time in the public health history of this nation,” Redfield said.