PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) — The southern Colorado city of Pueblo is imposing an overnight curfew for the next two weeks to stem a surge in the number of people hospitalized locally for the coronavirus, Mayor Nick Gradisar announced.

Residents will be banned from walking or driving within the city between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. starting Friday, Gradisar said. Exceptions include essential errands such as shopping at groceries and pharmacies and going to work.

Police will enforce the curfew in Pueblo, with a population of more than 110,000, the mayor said.

“This means, no one may be out on the streets of Pueblo during those hours unless they are engaged in critical and essential activities," Gradisar told a news conference, The Pueblo Chieftain reported.

“We haven’t done any modeling to know what differences this would make. We think it will make a difference," he said.

“We don’t want to have to write those tickets, but if you have a law that’s on the books that’s intended to protect the public’s health then it has to be enforced,” said Pueblo Police Chief Troy Davenport.

COVID cases have tripled at Parkview Medical Center, which had 33 patients being treated for the virus on Thursday — the highest number since March, Gradisar said. Only two intensive care unit beds were available, he said.