It comes amid intensifying concern about the coronavirus outbreak, with the deadly flu-like virus spreading to more than two dozen countries in recent weeks.

Speaking in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said some countries had so-called “pandemic plans” on standby in a bid to prevent the outbreak. But, while many were ready to act upon them depending on their situation, Lindmeier said the WHO was not planning a “big announcement”, CNBC reported.

Late last month, the WHO declared China’s fast-spreading coronavirus a global health emergency.

Lindmeier’s comments appeared to confirm the United Nations health agency would not declare the deadly flu-like virus as a pandemic over the coming days.

As of Tuesday, China’s National Health Commission reported 77,658 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 2,663 deaths nationwide.

South Korea, Italy and Iran have all recorded a sharp uptick in cases of the coronavirus in recent days, with many other countries imposing travel restrictions on virus-hit areas worldwide.

The WHO’s Lindmeier said officials meeting in Rome to discuss measures implemented in Italy had been “pretty strong.”

A WHO mission to Iran has been delayed, Lindmeier said, with no new date for departure. The mission was initially scheduled to arrive in the Islamic Republic on Tuesday.