12 Jan 2021 | 07:06 AM UTC
Mongolia: Officials ease COVID-19 restrictions in Ulaanbaatar; measures ongoing as of Jan. 12 /update 16
Mongolia eases COVID-19 restrictions in Ulaanbaatar as of Jan. 12. Other measures continue nationwide. Entry ban ongoing.
Event
Officials have ended lockdown measures in Ulaanbaatar, as of Jan. 12, amid ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Authorities have lifted movement restrictions, and retail outlets selling household goods can resume operations. However, most nonessential businesses will remain closed until further notice; essential services and other designated industries, such as grocery stores, fuel stations, pharmacies, utilities, banks, and media outlets, remain exempt from restrictions. Public gatherings, celebrations, and religious events remain banned.
Authorities previously reduced restrictions nationwide, though additional controls are possible if health staff confirm COVID-19 activity in other locations. The government continues to require all people to wear facemasks in public, and demonstrations remain banned nationwide. Most interprovincial traffic has resumed. Government work has restarted, though hours remain limited to 1000-1400 for most employees; government workers in citizen services will return to work full time. Although officials have removed some roadblocks and checkpoints on main interprovincial roads, checkpoints may continue on main routes to the capital and any areas placed under heightened restrictions. Officials are allowing some domestic flights to resume, though airlines will probably fly only specific routes. Some domestic airlines will also require a negative COVID-19 test result before allowing passengers to board flights.
The government has closed the Altanbulag border crossing with Russia through Jan. 18. Authorities have closed the Borshoo port through April 21. The Tsagaannuur border crossing will operate the second and fourth week each month until further notice. Authorities continue to ban international commercial flights but will resume some charter and repatriation flights from Jan. 15. International rail passenger transport remains suspended.
Travel Restrictions
An entry ban on most foreigners remains in place; only Mongolian nationals and permanent residents can enter the country. Officials have reduced the required quarantine period at government facilities to 14 days, but passengers remain responsible for the expenses. Arrivals must also undergo an additional 14 days of self-quarantine.
Advice
Postpone travel to Mongolia if affected by travel restrictions. Register with your diplomatic mission if attempting to depart Mongolia. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Plan for potential shipping disruptions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
