On June 20, for example, the cases were only 663. The rise may be attributed to the ease in restrictions like allowing indoor events, including dining. The head of NCOC Asad Umar has in the past few days warned of serious consequences to those who flout the SOPs.

In an interview to Dawn newspaper on Sunday, Member of the Scientific Task Force on Covid-19 Dr Javed Akram, said the virus was continuously mutating.

He said the government had decided to lift restrictions from the business and tourism sectors for the benefit of people and national economy, but the masses did not take the precautions serious thinking that the pandemic was over.

“We are heading towards very bad time. I suggest that NCOC should impose lockdown and Eid should be observed under strict restrictions,” he was quoted in the paper as saying.