Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has ordered stricter health control measures at the country's ports in an attempt to combat the new coronavirus.
He has met with the prime minister and the minister of health to follow up on the updates of the virus outbreak and the government's contingency plan on a national level.
Sisi said readiness level should be increased in cooperation with all the concerned parties of the state.
He also called for launching awareness campaigns to guide Egyptians and provide them with the necessary information.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Hala Zayed departed from Cairo on Sunday evening on a visit to the Chinese capital Beijing to convey solidarity with China in combating the novel coronavirus.
"The Egyptian political leadership is keen on maintaining solidarity with China and the Chinese people during such critical conditions," said the minister during a joint press conference with Chinese Ambassador to Cairo Liao Liqiang ahead of departure.
For his part, the Chinese ambassador expressed appreciation to the Egyptian minister and the country's leadership for standing by China at such a critical time.
