ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Faisal Sultan said that the Pakistan Army may be called in to implement coronavirus Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

He said this may happen as coronavirus cases have increased due to the negligence of citizens. Dr Sultan was speaking to the media in Islamabad on Monday. He said that the last few weeks have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases, with the positivity rate going up from 2% to 4%. He also spoke about the rapid increase in the Delta variant of coronavirus cases after an increase in the Alpha variant, reported Geo News.

Dr Sultan said the main cause of this surge is violation of SOPs and the new variant of coronavirus coming from India. He expressed the belief that the best strategy to deal with coronavirus is to complete your vaccination, follow restrictions and wear masks in public places. He said vaccination is necessary and that the country has an abundance of vaccines.

It is necessary, he said, to implement the existing SOPs and coronavirus restrictions. He said people can travel once they are vaccinated and stressed that it is necessary to have a vaccination certificate to travel during the upcoming Eidul Azha holidays. The SAPM on health said SOPs will be strictly enforced in major cities and tourist destinations.