Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Sunday discussed the latest developments concerning the new coronavirus with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Health Minister Hala Zayed, a statement from his office said.

El-Sisi and the officials discussed the latest developments concerning the worldwide outbreak of the virus and the health ministry’s plan and precautions taken to face the virus nationwide, according to the statement. 

He asked officials to raise the degree of readiness in accordance with the World Health Organization's standards through coordination and cooperation between state institutions.   

He also called on the officials to launch ongoing awareness campaigns targeting citizens from different segments of society, in order to provide them with all the accurate information and statements.

He also called the officials to tighten health screening and controls at Egypt's ports and airports.  

Following the meeting, Zayed announced that she would be traveling to China on Sunday evening.

According to the ministry, she will hold a press conference at Cairo airport to explain why she is heading to China.

Egypt has seen one confirmed case of the viral disease so far; officials said last week that the case, a foreign national, had  subsequently tested negative while in quarantine.