[Anchor]
South Korea is maintaining a high level of vigilance after it confirmed its second case of a new strain of coronavirus from China.
Experts however have downplayed the potential of any outbreak in the country as the second patient was under monitoring before testing positive for the virus.
Julie Sohn has our top story.
[Reporter]
According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a man in his 50s who arrived at Gimpo International Airport late Wednesday from the Chinese city of Wuhan tested positive for the new coronavirus.
The KCDC is currently conducting an in-depth epidemiological investigation into the patient who has been monitored after showing symptoms of the illness.
However, experts say there is a low chance of the virus spreading in South Korea as the patient was aware of the situation during the monitoring period after returning home.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun held an emergency meeting to discuss stepped-up measures to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
He said the government will make the utmost efforts to contain the new coronavirus by enhancing preventive quarantine and screening measures, stressing that what's important now is to take quick action.
This comes amid growing fears that the SARS-like virus is spreading quickly and widely throughout China and to other parts of the world.
China's National Health Commission said the virus has so far killed at least 25 and infected more than 830.
Beijing has taken steps to close off a handful of cities near Wuhan to control the disease.
Julie Sohn, eFM News.■
<Photo: Yonhap News>
