The troops were summoned at the government’s request after civilian authorities failed to implement the rules. Government officials say a nationwide lockdown will be necessary if the COVID-19 situation does not improve this week.
Pakistan is in its third wave of coronavirus infections, said Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Babar Iftikhar at a news conference.
Iftikhar’s comments came hours after Pakistan reported 70 deaths from COVID-19 and 4,825 cases over the past 24 hours.
Since last year, Pakistan has reported more than 17,000 deaths from COVID-19 and more than 800,000 cases.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lankan police are arresting people who fail to wear masks and maintain social distancing in public places, as the number of COVID-19 patients rapidly increases.
Police have arrested 177 people in the past 24 hours for violating the regulations, police spokesman Ajith Rohana said Monday.
