Japan sets up MERS task forces in South Korea

Japan has set up task forces at its diplomatic missions in South Korea for the safety of its nationals due to the spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) oronavirus there, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday.

The government has established a task force at its Embassy in Seoul on June 5 and another one at the Consulate General in Busan on Monday following the further spread of the virus in South Korea, Kishida said.

"The Foreign Ministry will continue to provide necessary and timely information to Japanese citizens abroad while paying close attention to the situation", Kishida told reporters, adding that his ministry will also closely work with the health ministry and other relevant offices to prevent an outbreak of MERS in Japan.