Police in Pakistan have enforced a strict lockdown to prevent people from going to mosques to offer Friday prayers and fuel a rise in coronavirus infection, Reuters reported, quoting officials.

Health experts have warned of an epidemic in South Asia, home to a fifth of the world's population, that could easily overwhelm its weak public health systems.

The Sindh government has enforced a “curfew-like” lockdown for three hours beginning from 12pm to deter people from coming out of their homes for prayers, officials said.