ISLAMABAD (NYTIMES) - With Covid-19 deaths surging in Pakistan this week, the government has sent troops to the streets to help enforce coronavirus precautions, and is warning that it may turn to a lockdown if the spread is not controlled.

Pakistan reported 201 deaths on Tuesday (April 27), the most in a single day so far. Since the pandemic began, the country's Covid-19 death toll has reached 17,680.

More than 5,200 patients are receiving critical care in the country's hospitals. And there are fears that the virus could rampage through Pakistan the way it is doing in neighbouring India if immediate steps are not taken to curb its spread. All travel to India has been banned.

Mr Fawad Chaudhry, Minister for Information, said on Thursday that the government will be forced to impose a strict nationwide lockdown if the situation deteriorates.

"Right now, the national positivity rate is 11 per cent," he said. "If it goes up to 14 per cent or 15 per cent, we will have no choice but to move towards a lockdown."

Soldiers are patrolling streets and markets in more than a dozen cities, telling people to keep wearing masks and making sure mandatory closing times and other safety protocols are being followed. Only essential food items and medicine may be sold after 6pm.

The approach of the Eid al-Fitr holiday next month has raised concerns.

The government has urged caution and simpler festivities.

Travel between cities and provinces will be banned from May 8 until May 16, and hotels, public parks and tourist facilities will be closed.