Premier Li Keqiang has stressed the urgent need to identify and develop drugs to stop the new coronavirus.

Premier Li visited frontline researchers at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences laboratories on Feb 9. He stressed the need to find out how the virus is transmitted and sufficient resources must be devoted to research.

Premier Li said developing effective medicines and vaccines is the key task. Medical workers should devote all their time and efforts to finding effective drugs, while ensuring they meet safety standards.

The Premier praised medical workers and researchers for their huge devotion to combating the virus and protecting the health and safety of the public.