On February 10, The State Emergency Commission decided to submit their proposal “not to celebrate the Tsagaan Sar – Mongolian Lunar New Year extensively” to the President of Mongolia with a view to prevent from the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country. The National Security Council of Mongolia is expected to make the final decision.
The emergency commission also gave an order to corresponding officials to earmark funding necessary for the coronavirus prevention, ensure preparedness and response to the outbreak, purchasing medical supplies, equipment and sterilization and sanitizing products and tools, from the approved 2020 State Budget.
It also has been decided to empty the Central Hospital of the Communicable Diseases and set aside 200 beds, if the new coronavirus comes into the country, and to use the state-owned Military Medical Center, private-run “Asralt Med” Hospital and a recreational facility of the Emergency Management Agency, if necessary.
In addition, 100-bed hospital in Zamiin-uud and 50-bed hospital in Sainshand soum of Dornogobi aimag will be used as a temporary isolation facility.
The Emergency Commission also suspended coal shipments across border checkpoints of Gashuunsukhait, Bichigt and Bulgan, to China.
‘Burte’ government-owned factory, and other garments factories of the Ministry of Defense, General Executive Agency of Court Decision and General Police Department were ordered to make face masks in accordance with guidelines from the Center of Communicable Diseases. Governors of all types of administrative units were also charged with organizing the production of face masks in each of their local areas.
The Ministry of Health has purchased the necessary medical supplies and equipment with MNT 4.2 billion allocated from the government, as introduced at the emergency commission meeting.
