Mongolia shuts borders with Russia, capital imposes full lockdown for 3 days

ULAANBAATAR, Nov 11, 2020, AKI Press. Government of Mongolia made a decision on taking measures regarding the border crossing points with the Russian Federation November 11, AKI Press reported.

Specifically, the Cabinet decided to close Altanbulag border checkpoint for two months starting from November 16 to January 18, 2021 and closing the Tes, Artssuuri, Ulikhan, Ereentsav and Borshoo border points until further notice from November 16, Montsame reports.

Tsagaannuur border checkpoint in Bayan-Ulgii aimag will be open only in the second and fourth weeks of each month beginning from November 23 to allow fuel transport.

Incidentally, during the closure period of Altanbulag border checkpoint a special zone will be set up and preparations will be ensured to receive freight from Russia and transfer the load at the special zone. Furthermore, works are under study to make freight transport through railroad in collaboration with the Russian Federation and make coordination not to affect commodity price as possible. While, repatriation of Mongolian citizens through the border checkpoint will not be suspended.

As of today, 40 freight truck drivers, who entered the country’s border through Altanbulag border point, tested positive for COVID-19.

8 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Mongolia over the past day, the total number of officially registered cases in the country has reached 382.

State Emergency Commission of Mongolia held an urgent meeting and decided to quarantine Ulaanbaatar for 3 days from November 11, AKI Press reported.

During this timeframe, the authorities will trace down those who had direct contact with the two individuals who tested positive for coronavirus (truck driver and his wife).

All levels of educational institutions including kindergartens, schools, universities, and training centers will be temporarily closed, and movement on auto roads and railways going in and out of Ulaanbaatar city will be restricted for the 3 days, Montsame reports.

Public facilities including theaters, museums, cinemas will be closed. Special regulations will also be implemented for public transport in the city.