BEIJING — China will strengthen safety services for enterprises producing epidemic prevention materials to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM).

The ministry said on Jan 26 epidemic control is its top priority now, adding administrative organs as well as fire and rescue teams must put into place strict entry and exit control to protect themselves from the epidemic.

Fire and rescue forces must draft guidelines to ensure they are ready to respond to various emergencies at any moment, officials of the ministry said.