Singapore will close schools and workplaces while people are being told to stay home, as the city-state ramps up its attempt to stem the spread of coronavirus.
The country has won praise for its handling of the outbreak, and had largely kept the COVID-19 crisis in check by carrying out large numbers of tests and tracing close contacts of those infected.
Authorities had , such as closing bars and nightclubs, but had so far avoided the kind of tough restrictions seen in worse-hit nations.
However, after a jump in the number of locally transmitted cases in recent days, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said it was time to apply a "circuit breaker" to halt the virus's spread on Friday.
Telok Ayer almost empty during the coronavirus pandemic. Singapore has already ordered the closure of entertainment venues. Source: AAP
Workplaces except for essential services, such as supermarkets and hospitals, and those deemed to be in key economic sectors will be closed from Tuesday, he said in a televised address.
Schools will also be closed from next week except for children of those who have to continue to work and cannot make alternative arrangements, he said.
People are being told to stay at home as much as possible, and only go out for essentials - such as buying food and getting exercise.
"Looking at the trend, I am worried that unless we take further steps, things will gradually get worse, or another big cluster may push things over the edge," Mr Lee said.
Singapore has reported 1,114 virus infections including five deaths. Globally, the number of confirmed cases has soared past one million and deaths have topped 53,000. More than 212,000 people have recovered.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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