BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 12
By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:
Five trillion rials (about $ 119 million) have been allocated in Iran to support local start-up companies' projects to combat coronavirus spread in Iran, said Ali Vahdat, Director of Iran National Innovation Fund, Trend reports citing the Fund's official website.
According to Vahdat, in this regard, more than 200 companies are ready to operate in this area. He added that relevant projects of the companies must be approved by the relevant government agencies.
The official pointed out that the companies operate in the field of disinfecting products, medical equipment (including face masks), and so on.
Iran is one of the recent countries, affected by the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 9,000 people have been infected, 354 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 2,900 have reportedly recovered from the disease.
The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.
Following the reports of coronavirus spread in the Islamic Republic, several countries have taken measures, including closing borders and banning flights.
The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.