Iran has announced that it will restrict travel to the cities hit hardest by the novel coronavirus, amid a record high of daily Covid-19 deaths, AFP reported quoting state TV.

The measure takes effect on Monday midday and will last until Friday, the broadcaster reported, citing an order by the interior ministry.

The restrictions prevent residents from leaving and non-residents from entering based on vehicle plate numbers, but do not apply to public transportation, it added. Violators will be fined, the order said further.

It applies to the capitals of 25 provinces considered “red” — the highest level on Iran's colour-coded risk scale — and includes the capital Tehran with more than eight million residents.