These are the leading stories in local newspapers on March 23, 2020.
Times of Malta reports on how non-essential shops and outlets were forced to close as from Monday morning as the government imposes new restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The newspaper also reports how people working in the leisure industry were the first to feel the pinch of COVID-19.
L-Orizzont, In-Nazzjon and The Malta Independent also lead with the story of the closure of non-essential shops.
L-Orizzont also reports how Prime Minister Robert Abela said the government wanted businesses to prosper and people to hang on to their jobs during these turbulent times.
In-Nazzjon reports on how reported cases climbed to 90 leads, on a speech by Opposition leader Adrian Delia saying that people in Malta and Gozo will overcome this difficult time and on how German Chancellor Angela Merkel was in quarantine over COVID-19.
The Malta Independent also reports prominently on the earthquake that hit Croatia on Sunday.