The Singapore government is instructing local consumers to defer non-essential visits to malls.

The move is part of a strategy to encourage social distancing in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, and includes advice to all Singaporeans to consider shopping for household items online. 

Foreign nationals working as caregivers or maids, have been asked to stay in their homes on rest days.

These directives follow the state’s introduction of social-distancing mandates last week, which forbid gatherings of more than 10 people and require individuals to stand at a distance of at least one metre apart in non-transient settings, such as in supermarkets.

Venues with seating are instructed to ensure seats are kept at one metre distances, with those at closer fixed points to be marked as not to be used.

Business operators and individuals who fail to abide by the new regulations face fines of up to SGD10,000 (US$7000) and/or jail time up to six months.