So Malaysia is under "lockdown". Here is what you need to know

Just a couple hours ago, our Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the country will be under partial lockdown from 18th March 2020 to 31st March 2020 in response to the increasing numbers of local infectees down with COVID-19.

As such, the following measures shall be implemented and enforced :

1. Movement and gathering in large groups are strictly prohibited. This includes all religious, sports, social and cultural events. All places of worship and business premises are to be closed, with the exception of supermarkets, wet markets, grocery stores and convenience stores that sells daily essential items.

2. All travels out of the country is banned during the lockdown period. For those who returned from overseas, they are required to go for a medical checkup and self-quarantine for 14 days.

3. Foreign visitors entry into the country is banned.

4. Closure of all Nurseries, kindergartens, all public and private schools, religious schools, boarding schools, international schools as wel as all forms of primary, secondary and pre-university institutions.

5. Closure of all private and public tertiary education institutions as well as vocational colleges/centers.

6. Closure of all government and private premises except those involved with essential services, including water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, postal services, transportation, irrigation, oil and gas, fuel, lubricants (??), broadcasting, financial services, banking, healthcare, pharmacies, fire brigades, prisons, shipping ports, airports, safety and security services, defence, cleaning, grocery and food supplies.

As far as we understand, you are by no means curfewed or forced to stay home, but you are strongly encouraged to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out. All essential services will still be operational so the impact to the average citizen should be minimal, other than not being paid to work for 2 weeks because your office might be closed, and kids will have little else to do other than spend more time at home because the schools are closed.

But as mentioned, you can still go out and buy supplies and groceries if absolutely necessary. Alternatively you can order online to have grocers such as Tesco to deliver your items to your home. If you can't cook at home, you can order food deliveries.

So, do not go on a panic buying spree. Practice social distancing. Practice personal hygiene. Practice common sense. Most importantly, do not panic.

For more information on COVID-19 in Malaysia, you can visit here.