STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) —One local hospital is preparing for a potential increase in patients as the coronavirus continues to spread.

The OCH Regional Medical Center activated a contingency plan after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus a pandemic.

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at OCH Regional Medical Center Wes Andrews said they are at a level 3 which means they activated the influenza plan.

Andrews said they are frequently communicating with the Mississippi Department of Health and are on stand by for assistance.

Andrews said if someone feels like they have coronavirus symptoms, they will have to contact their primary care physician.

The physician will determine if the patient needs to undergo a coronavirus test.

If there are any patients in Oktibbeha County that have tested positive for the coronavirus, Andrews said the patient will be placed in a negative pressure room at OCH Regional Medical Center.