A team of volunteer drivers in northwest China's Shaanxi Province is helping medical workers battle the novel coronavirus.

Zhang Yipu has recently taken up a new role – designated driver for medical workers in Xi'an, the provincial capital of Shaanxi Province. Zhang works for the local urban management authority but has always been interested in volunteering. She previously worked on a national project of developing the country's western regions.

When she heard the city was recruiting volunteers for the battle against the novel coronavirus, she made an application. Zhang and other volunteers went through online training and assessment, covering areas such as introduction to the outbreak, self-protection from infection, psychological assistance and emergency response. After qualifying for the role, she started working as a chauffeur in her spare time for doctors and nurses who need to commute between an affiliated hospital and Xi'an Jiaotong University.

Zhang is one of 30 volunteers who began their duties as drivers in late February. Within just two weeks, they've made more than 300 trips that have benefited nearly 500 medical workers.