On Feb. 10, local food delivery company Honestbee announced that it would temporarily suspend operations at its habitat supermarket and dining space in Pasir Panjang till Feb. 23, 2020.

Although the closure is slated to be till Feb. 23, the company has stated that it would "extend the closure if necessary", Vulcan Post reports.

This is due to "public health safety reasons" in light of the "increase in novel coronavirus cases" and the "elevated DORSCON (Disease Outbreak Response System Condition) risk assessment status".

According to The Straits Times, a statement by Honestbee also attributed the decision to "a significant reduction in walk-in traffic".

While the physical supermarket and dining space will be closed, Honestbee's online grocery delivery services will still continue as per normal.

Stocks wiped out at other supermarkets and online delivery companies

Over the weekend, hoards of people began stockpiling food and household items at many supermarkets all over the island in response to the change in DORSCON status from yellow to orange.

On Feb. 9, online delivery company RedMart also saw a huge surge in orders till there were no more delivery slots until Feb. 15.

Certain food items were sold out as well, such as the popular South Korean instant noodle Shin Ramyun.

PM Lee and other ministers respond to hoarding

In response to all the hoarding, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a speech on Feb. 8 that Singaporeans should stay calm in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.

He also reassured Singaporeans that there is no need to stock up on essential supplies, as Singapore possesses ample supplies.

Other ministers who have come forth to speak out about this matter include Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing as well as Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee.

Top image via habitat by honestbee on Facebook