By David Brand and Victoria Merlino

St. John’s University and Queens College are poised to play an important role in the state’s all-hands-on-deck response to the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday.

At a press briefing in Albany, Cuomo said the state may establish temporary facilities on the two campuses to help beat back the spread of the virus, which causes the illness COVID-19. Cuomo briefly discussed the plan after signing an executive order shutting down businesses and banning social gatherings, effective Sunday.

“We’re looking at a possible number of locations for large temporary facilities,” Cuomo said, noting that the Javits Center, some private colleges and a number of CUNY and SUNY sites were under consideration. Queens College and St. John’s were listed on the screen behind him.

Officials from the two schools said the plans are not yet finalized, but could include a temporary hospital, housing for first responders or other resources. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visited both schools earlier this month to plan potential uses.