YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - With the National Guard searching throughout the state to find locations that could become mobile hospitals, County Commissioner David Ditzler believes that Youngstown will have one of those facilities.

21 News spoke with Ditzler Saturday afternoon about possible locations where that mobile hospital could be located.

According to the commissioner, the National Guard looked at multiple locations across Mahoning County and believes that the primary site will be the Covelli Centre.

As we first reported, he said the gymnasium under Stambaugh Stadium was also in consideration for the National Guard.

Ditzler confirmed that Northside Hospital is not an option, saying the building would take more staffing than the other locations because it is a hospital setting. The more open setting provided by Stambaugh or the Covelli Centre would take less staff to accommodate it.

Commissioner Ditzler said that he expects the official decision on the mobile hospital location to come within the next two or three days. He said once the location is finalized, work to get the facility ready with staffing and equipment will begin.

While Ditzler believes that the Covelli Centre will be named the location of the mobile hospital, Covelli Centre President Eric Ryan said he's heard of no new developments at this time. Ryan did tell 21 News earlier in the week that the Covelli Centre would be happy to help during the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision to have the National Guard scout out locations for field hospitals came just last week. Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown told 21 News that National Guard members were in the community Thursday to identify potential locations.