Iran, Austria Red Cross discuss ways to fight COVID-19

In his meeting with Secretary General of the Austrian Red Cross Michael Opriesnig, the Iranian ambassador also exchanged views on Tehran’s cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) against coronavirus pandemic, ROKNA reported.

"In a very useful meeting with Secretary General of the Austrian Red Cross Mr. Michael Opriesnig, I discussed coronavirus-related issues and its various side effects and how the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Austrian Red Cross work together to help contain the disease," Ardakani wrote on his Twitter account after the meeting.

The two sides also shared views on ways of strengthening current favorable cooperation between the Austrian Red Cross and Iran’s Red Crescent Society in various fields, said the ambassador.

Iran has been announced the worst-hit country by coronavirus in the West Asia.

Latest reports released by Iran's Health Ministry announced that the novel coronavirus has killed nearly 32,000 people in Iran.

According to Spokeswoman of the Health Ministry Sima Sadat Lari, the country’s total coronavirus cases have risen to 556,891 following the detection of 6,134 new cases from Thursday to Friday.

On Thursday, Head of Iran’s National Headquarters for Fighting Coronavirus Alireza Zali said the COVID-19-related restrictions will be intensified in capital Tehran as of Saturday due to the increasing number of infected and hospitalized cases.

He added that more inspections will be carried out by police forces starting next week to check proper observance of the health public orders and restrictions including wearing face masks in workplaces, up to 50% reduction of the number of employees in public offices, and traffic restrictions.

Vulnerable people including those who are over 65-year-old have to stay at home or work from home for their own safety, he said.

Authorities have already extended the restrictions imposed in the capital for two consecutive weeks to limit the spread of the killer virus.