Issuing a statement on Sunday, the ministry advised the people to avoid rallies, social gatherings and places that see large gatherings of people.

It has also recommended that people wear masks in public, wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser, and follow other health and safety protocols.

The statement from the ministry comes following a massive surge in coronavirus cases in neighbouring India.

According to Reuters, India reported 40,953 new coronavirus cases on March 20, the biggest daily jump in nearly four months, with its richest state and economic backbone Maharashtra accounting for more than a half of the infections. Some regions in India have already reimposed containment measures, including lockdowns and restaurant closures, and more are being considered.

The Ministry of Health and Population has also instructed the provincial health directorates, hospitals, district health offices and border health desks to take necessary measures to prevent a coronavirus resurgence.

The instructions include conducting malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and, if possible, antigen tests for Covid-19 in case someone arriving from India has a fever; managing the treatment of the people who test positive for Covid-19; reactivating quarantine centres; and conducting contact tracing by identifying the hotspots of contagion.

The ministry has also directed the concerned health agencies to take necessary steps to ensure that Covid-19 health and safety protocols are strictly followed.