15 Mar 2021 | 05:29 AM UTC
Mongolia: Officials tighten restrictions in Ulaanbaatar for two weeks as of 06:00 March 15 due to rising COVID-19 activity /update 19
Officials tighten restrictions in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for two weeks as of 06:00 March 15. Entry ban, quarantine requirements ongoing.
Event
Officials have tightened restrictions in Ulaanbaatar for two weeks as of 06:00 March 15 due to rising COVID-19 activity in the capital. Authorities have banned all mass gatherings, including private events. Authorities continue to close some high-risk businesses, such as conventions, trade shows, and nightclubs, among others. However, other entertainment businesses and fitness centers can operate at 30-percent capacity. Almost all companies must restrict operating hours to 07:00-22:00 daily.
Officials continue highly localized lockdowns in residential buildings and businesses that have reported COVID-19 exposure. Residents, employees, and patrons of these locations must undergo COVID-19 testing and quarantine until receiving negative test results. Authorities will require close contacts of COVID-19 cases and their household members to quarantine for seven days, followed by a seven-day self-quarantine. Officials will require suspected cases stemming from an outbreak site to quarantine for seven days.
The government is limiting intercity transport with the capital 23:00-06:00 nightly; only medical and charity workers and night flights can operate during these hours. Authorities restrict travel from Ulaanbaatar to other areas of Mongolia; exceptions are in place for essential cargo shipments, healthcare workers, business trips, and charity work. Residents in the capital must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of leaving the city. Residents from other parts of Mongolia can enter the capital with a health declaration form. The government continues to require all people to wear facemasks in public nationwide.
International rail passenger transport remains suspended. Goods are generally allowed to move through border checkpoints, though intermittent land border closures are likely to continue.
Travel Restrictions
Authorities continue to ban international commercial flights; only repatriation services are operational for Mongolian nationals, permanent residents, and some long-term visa holders. International arrivals are required to quarantine in government-run facilities at their own expense for 10 days, followed by four days of self-quarantine. Travelers must also undergo a subsequent self-quarantine period.
Advice
Consider postponing 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. Confirm all domestic transport arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Plan for potential shipping disruptions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.