Singapore to close most work places and schools in new move to curb COVID-19 spread 

Singapore announced on Friday stricter measures including closing most work places and schools in an attempt to contain the coronavirus spread.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the announcement in a televised address to the nation on Friday.

He said essential services including supermarkets, hawker centers, clinics and public transportation will still continue. 

"If a person can work from home, he should do so," Lee said.

Schools will be closed starting Wednesday, but preschools and student care centers will continue providing limited services for parents who still need to work. 

Lee said movement and gathering of people will also be tightened.

"Stay at home as much as possible. Avoid socializing beyond your household and only go out only to do essential things," he added. 

The latest tally from Singapore shows a total of 1,114 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The country's death toll is five.