Moon tours hospital as SKorea virus preps continue

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday visited the National Medical Center in Seoul amidst deepening worries over the expanding outbreak of a new virus in China.

Moon wore a mask and used a hand sanitiser as he inspected quarantine facilities at the centre.

The medical centre is one of the hospitals designated for the treatment of patients with symptoms of the new virus.

South Korea confirmed the country's fourth case of the new coronavirus on Monday.

The country's benchmark stock index tumbled 3.4% as it reopened on Tuesday after holidays.

Shares also fell in Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Jakarta and Singapore, as shares skidded across Asia.

Markets in Hong Kong and mainland China remained closed Tuesday for Lunar New Year holidays.