COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said hospitals and southern and southeastern Ohio will likely be able to handle the increase in coronavirus cases expected in coming weeks.

The governor spoke of discussions with leaders in the medical field at his news conference on Monday.

“Health care regions in southern and southeastern Ohio have determined the existing hospital facilities in their areas will, with additional equipment, be able to handle the surge in patients without going to an off-site location,” he said.

The governor said the state has pulled resources and experts from multiple perspectives to combat this spread of the virus.

“Major hospitals and medical systems have put plans in place for expanding their capacity within their own facilities, or have collaborated on facilities,” he said. “We have also been building a plan to expand health care at alternative sites.”

He said, working with the National Guard, the following sites have been selected: the Seagate Convention Center in Lucas County, Case Western University’s Health Education Campus in Cuyahoga County, the Dayton Convention Center in Montgomery County, the Covelli Convention Center in Mahoning County, Duke Energy Convention Center in Hamilton County and the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Franklin County.

“Assessments of other sites will continue, as we look for additional space, should it be needed,” DeWine said.