LAHORE: The novel coronavirus continued to play havoc, as 37 more deaths were reported across the province of Punjab including an assistant professor at Lahore's Services Hospital, Dr Hafiz Maqsood.

Punjab's Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department has reported 1,615 new coronavirus cases, taking the provincial tally to 31,104.

The death toll from the virus has risen to 607 after 37 more fatalities were recorded.

According to the department, 7,712 people have recovered from the virus while 259,254 tests have been conducted so far.

Assistant professor at Lahore's Services Hospital, Dr Hafiz Maqsood, has passed away due to coronavirus.

Dr Maqsood contracted the virus while on duty in the hospital. He was shifted to the intensive care unit when his condition worsened and was on a ventilator. He was the general secretary of the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association.

On the other hand, the PML-N member of the provincial assembly (MPA) Mian Naveed Ali from Pakpattan has tested positive for the coronavirus, his spokesperson said. The 32-year-old MPA was involved in welfare activities during the pandemic. After testing positive, he has isolated himself in Lahore, the spokesperson added.

Moreover, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has issued directions to authorities to take "strict action" against those who violate the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

In a tweet, the CM said that the government had eased the lockdown to "avoid possible hunger and poverty and all associations concerned had also promised to implement the SOPs".

However, the SOPs were not being implemented at most places, he said, adding that "strict action" would be taken in this regard.

Further, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Danish Afzaal has directed all assistant commissioners to check the markets in their areas and ensure that SOPs such as wearing masks, installing sanitisers and social distancing are being followed.