ISLAMABAD — Pakistani authorities are warning that strict lockdown measures may need to be implemented if the public continues to violate social-distancing measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Health authorities say a potential lockdown could include closing business and restrictions on economic and social activities. The warning was issued Thursday by the National Command and Control Center, which oversees Pakistan’s response to COVID-19.

Amid a third wave of the coronavirus that is gripping Pakistan’s largest province, Punjab, and the northern part of the country, Pakistani health and administrative authorities have imposed a partial lockdown in affected areas since last week.

Pakistan has reported 615,810 virus cases among 13,717 deaths.