VIENNA, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Austria had climbed to 4,426 with 21 deaths reported by Monday evening, local health authorities said.
Most of the cases are mild. A total of 145 patients are hospitalized with 15 requiring intensive care, according to the Health Ministry.
For the first time since the Second Republic of Austria was founded in 1945, members of the Austrian Armed Forces are also called up, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner said.
A total of 3,000 men and women are called up to help with food supplies, medical support and police operations in fighting against the coronavirus outbreak, Tanner said.
On Monday afternoon, two Austrian Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft returned to the country from Xiamen, a coastal city in southeastern China, with 130 tons of protective equipment on board.
The equipment is to be transferred to the western state of Tyrol on Tuesday by a civilian carrier, according to local media reports. Part of the cargo would then be sent to South Tyrol, a province in northeastern Italy, where it would be handed over to the Italian authorities.
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen thanked China for this effort on Twitter.
"Thanks to everyone who made this joint action possible. Thank you especially #China for this support now that we need this help very much," tweeted the president. "We can only overcome this crisis together."
