TIMELINE OF COVID-19 EVENTS
View the history of events related to the COVID-19 in Mongolia. The timeline is updated on an ongoing basis in response to evolving events.
Jump to beginning of timelineMarch 19
Mongolia begins treating mild cases at home
Mongolia begins treating mild COVID-19 cases at home as hospital capacities reach their limit.
March 08
New single-day record of 108 cases
108 new cases were detected in Mongolia after testing 13,269 people nationwide within 24 hours. This is the highest number of cases detected in a single day since the first domestic coronavirus transmission in the country.
March 07
New COVID-19 cases detected in several aimags
New COVID - 19 cases were detected in Arkhangai aimag, Tuv aimag, and Zavkhan aimag from March 4th through March 7th.
February 27
Mongolia receives 10,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccine
Mongolia received 10,000 doses of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and the next 10,000 doses are planned to arrive in the first week of March
February 23
Mongolian Prime Minister and Minister of Health first to receive COVID-19 vaccines
Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrain and Minister of Health Enkhbold Sereejav were administered the AstraZeneca vaccine on February 23rd and became the first people in Mongolia to receive vaccination against COVID - 19.
February 15
Mongolia will administer COVID-19 vaccines beginning on Feb 23, 2021
Mongolia's Minister of Health Enkhbold Sereejav announced that Mongolians will start getting coronavirus vaccines on February 23rd, 2021. More details on the rollout will be provided soon.
February 08
‘One door-one test’ to be conducted during quarantine
During the strict quarantine period in Ulaanbaatar from February 11 to 23, the government plans to do a PCR test on one member from each household in the city.
February 04
Ulaanbaatar to be in a state of “public emergency readiness”
The State Emergency Commission elevated Ulaanbaatar's COVID-19 alertness to "public emergency readiness" during the Lunar New Year (from February 11th until February 23rd).
January 29
Enkhbold Sereejav appointed as the new Minister of Health
The State Central Second Hospital's president Enkhbold Sereejav was appointed as Mongolia's new Minister of Health.
January 27
D.Naranzul appointed as the new president of the NCCD
Tuberculosis doctor and epidemiologist D.Naranzul was appointed as the new president of the National Center for Communicable Diseases.
January 21
Nyamkhuu Dulmaa dismissed from his role as head of the National Center of Communicable Diseases
The Ministry of Health decided to dismiss Nyamkhuu Dulmaa from his role as President of the National Center for Communicable Diseases following the mistreatment of a COVID-19 patient.
January 20
Head of Ulaanbaatar’s Health Department dismissed
The Mayor of Ulaanbaatar issued an ordinance after receiving Head of Ulaanbaatar Health Department L.Tumurbaatar's resignation. The resignation followed the mishandling of the relocation of a coronavirus patient and her newborn baby.
January 20
Deputy PM and Health Minister hand in their resignation
Deputy Prime Minister Ya.Sodbaatar, who also serves as Chair of the State Emergency Commission, and Minister of Health T.Munkhsaikhan announced that they are submitting their resignation to the Prime Minister. The announcement following a peaceful protest calling for their resignation over the mistreatment of a new mother diagnosed with COVID-19.
January 20
Mongolians protest urging the State Emergency Commission to resign
Mongolian citizens assembled in a peaceful protest at the Sukhbaatar square in Ulaanbaatar, urging the State Emergency Commission to resign for gross mistreatment of a new mother diagnosed with COVID - 19.
December 21
BioNTech is confident their vaccine is effective against new UK mutation
BioNTech Chief Executive Ugur Sahin said he was confident a COVID-19 vaccine co-developed by his company would be effective against a variant of the coronavirus that has emerged in Britain.
December 21
Ulaanbaatar on public readiness till Jan 6, 2021
The government has decided to partially determine the level of public preparedness for measures to curb new outbreaks in the capital city from 06:00 on December 23 to 06:00 on January 6, 2021.
December 18
Vice President of U.S. gets vaccinated
Vice President of U.S. Mike Pence, Second Lady Karen Pence receive Covid-19 vaccine on LIVE TV
December 17
Russia’s ‘light’ vaccine to form immunity lasting 3-4 months
A "light" vaccine against the coronavirus, that is, inoculation with only one of the two vaccine components, will protect against the infection for three or four months, says the Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry Alexander Gintsburg.
December 15
The number of enterprises and households eligible for energy exemption has been announced
25,000 businesses in Ulaanbaatar and 26,000 local businesses and 98% of all households are eligible for energy exemption.
December 14
ADB Releases $60 Million for Air Quality Improvement Program in UB
The policy-based program loan of $160 million for the Ulaanbaatar Air Quality Improvement Program (Phase 2) was approved in December 2019, with the first tranche of $100 million released that month.
December 13
State takes responsibility over electricity, heating, water and waste payments
With the exception of nine sectors, businesses have zero electricity, heating, steam, water and waste bills. Households with up to 100 square meters will have zero heating bills. If it is more than 100 m / sq, you will have to pay for the remaining m / sq. About 650 billion MNT will be financed by Erdenet.
December 08
160 people returned home on the second flight from Frankfurt
Two charter flights from Frankfurt had brought more than 300 citizens back home.
December 01
Mongolia’s COVID-19 Surveillance website has been launched
The website had been made using open source as part of AND Global's corporate social responsibility.
November 29
Curfew extended by 10 days
Curfew got extended by 10 days in Ulaanbaatar city, Arkhangai and Selenge aimag till December 11, 2020
November 23
Oxford University’s Covid-19 vaccine is 70% effective
While Pfizer and Moderna vaccines showed 95% protection, Oxford's vaccine suggests 70% protection.
November 23
Kindergardens, schools and universities to continue virtual lessons until the end of Fall term
Kindergartens and high school classes will be televised until the end of December 18. Their winter break will last until February 1, 2021. University students' break will last until February 15.
November 19
Cabinet Announces Pandemic Outbreak Measures
The government passed various precautionary and relief measures following the first local transmission. These include tax breaks, prolonged border regulations, and support for businesses and industries.
November 17
ADB Allocates $20 Million to Help Developing Members Access Vaccines for COVID-19
The funds comprise of $20 million from ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF) and $300,000 from the High-Level Technology Fund financed by the Government of Japan.
November 16
18 locations to perform covid tests for free in Ulaanbaatar
Two types of tests are being used to validate cases: rapid antigen and PCR.
November 16
Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine
Moderna's vaccine was found to be 94.5% efficacy with 95 participants with confirmed cases of COVID-19
November 16
Border crossings temporarily closed and traffic suspended
Freight traffic at the Altanbulag border crossing on the Mongolian-Russian border are suspended from November 16, 2020 to January 18, 2021.
November 15
Total Cases Reach 428
Two people tested positive for COVID-19 from 814 samples. 328 people have recovered. A total of 100 people are receiving treatment.
November 13
“Shuurkhai 119” smartphone application launches
With this application, Mongolian citizens can directly contact the COVID-19 reference center and receive advice and information for free from anywhere in the world.
November 12
Pedestrian and vehicle trips restricted in Ulaanbaatar
To restrict unnecessary travel, all trips except to grocery stores nearby are subject to interrogation.
November 12
November charter flights cancelled
In November, more than 1,900 people were scheduled to be flown home on 10 special mission flights. However, due to the recent outbreak, the remaining seven flights scheduled for this month were cancelled in accordance with the instructions given by the Deputy Prime Minister.
November 11
Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine
Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine is found to be 92% effective at protecting people from COVID-19 according to interim trial results.
November 11
First two community cases are confirmed; SEC declares emergency curfew
Four days after a driver and his wife left their 21 day quarantine at Altanbulag, they tested positive for COVID-19. Surveillance is ongoing to identify people the couple have come in contact with.
November 09
Pfizer and Biotech’s COVID-19 Vaccine
The Pfizer and Biotech Vaccine candidate is found to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19
October 26
Border Closure Extends to December 31
The State Emergency Commission extends the nationwide border closures until December 31, 2020. Movement across all road, air, and railway borders will continue to be restricted and closely monitored.
October 25
Total Cases Reach 339
11 new positive cases were detected in a passenger from a Frankfurt charter flight, Russian freight truck drivers, and individuals who entered the country through the Altanbulag border checkpoint. This brings total cases to 339, 27 of which are currently being treated at the NCCD.
October 09
Japan to Provide Emergency Loan to Mongolia
Over talks between Mongolian-Japanese relations, the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs announced a JPY 25 billion loan to Mongolia toward its COVID-19 response efforts.
October 01
Project to Improve COVID-19 Preparedness for Vulnerable Populations Launches
The “Building the Capacity for COVID-19 Diagnosis and Service Delivery for the Most Vulnerable in Mongolia amidst the Pandemic” project launched to enhance the capacity of the health sector, diagnostics, and primary health care units.
September 14
Mongolia Lifts Domestic COVID-19 Restrictions
Public events and educational institutions have been approved to return to normal operations throughout September. However, borders will remain closed at least until October 31.
September 05
Total Cases Rise to 310
Four individuals, from a Seattle charter flight that arrived on September 2nd, tested positive for coronavirus. This brings total cases in the country to 310, of which 296 have recovered so far.
September 04
Mongolia to Recieve $1.5M in Grants from the ADB
The $1.5 million grant will be sourced from the Asian Pacific Disaster Response Fund and will help improve medical resource supplies, including diagnostic kits and PPE.
September 03
China Donates Face Masks
China donates 10,000 N95 masks to the Mongolian Ministry of Health -- China's third medical assistance donation to Mongolia.
August 26
Two New Imported Cases Bring Total Cases to 200
The two individuals had arrived on the latest charter flights from Tokyo and New Delhi. Eleven people are currently undergoing treatment, while 289 have recovered.
August 17
Mongolia to Receive Support in Vaccine Distribution Under COVAX
The COVAX Facility works to accelerate the development and distribution of COVID-19 tests and vaccines. Mongolia has been included in the list of countries to receive support under COVAX for equitable vaccine distribution.
July 28
COVID-19 Cases Rise to 289
Total confirmed cases reach 289, while 222 have recovered and 67 are under treatment.
July 27
264 Mongolians Repatriated on a Flight from Frankfurt
Among the 264 returning from across Europe, 11 are pregnant, 28 have medical conditions, 22 are elderly, and 51 have family members who are small children.
July 25
WHO Rallies Countries for the Fight Against Coronavirus
As coronavirus cases near 16 million across the world and global deaths surpass 639 thousand, the WHO rallies countries to set politics aside and unite for the fight against the pandemic.
July 20
Over 67,000 Nationals Repatriated
In July 2020, a total of ten charter flights were scheduled to bring close to 2000 Mongolian citizens back home. Since the air border closed in January, Mongolian Airlines has flown to 44 countries to bring back 67,290 citizens.
July 15
COVID-19 Cases Rise to 261
Total confirmed cases reach 261, while 209 have recovered.
July 13
Oldest Mongolian Patient Recovers
The oldest coronavirus patient in Mongolia, at 80 years old, was released from the hospital after receiving 24 days of treatment.
July 06
Over 200 Citizens Return from Russia
Per the State Emergency Commission, over 200 citizens who have requested to return home from Russia are being brought home through the Altanbulag border checkpoint in Selenge aimag.
July 01
Cases Rise to 227
Total coronavirus cases reach 228, while 177 have recovered.
June 28
Charter Flights from Germany and Korea Land
Charter flights from Frankfurt and Seoul repatriate more than 500 Mongolians.
June 24
A Charter Flight from Seattle Arrives
A charter flight from Seattle lands, carrying 255 Mongolian nationals as well as stolen dinosaur fossils.
June 23
ABD Loan to Expand Welfare Programs Amid Pandemic
The ADB approves a loan of USD 26.4 million to temporarily expand unemployment benefits, food stamps, and the child money program to alleviate the socioeconomic impacts of the virus.
June 22
Mongolia Sends Aid to the US in First-Ever Direct Flight
The first-ever direct flight from Mongolia to the US lands in Seattle, carrying a donation of PPE worth USD 1 million for the US Government.
June 15
UN and WHO Donate Medical Equipment
The UN and WHO donate test kits, respirators, and PPE worth MNT 428 million to the Ministry of Health.
June 02
Election Safety Measures Approved
COVID-19 safety measures concerning campaigning and voting are approved during a cabinet meeting.
May 29
Coronavirus Cases Spike to 179
Coronavirus cases jump to 179, an overwhelming number of returnees from Russia testing positive.
May 27
Border Closure Extended
A heightened state of readiness in the country and suspension of international flights and movement is extended until June 30th. Seven new coronavirus cases are detected, while six more have recovered. This brings the total confirmed cases to 148 with 43 recoveries.
May 26
Mongolians Stuck Abroad
To date, 11,275 Mongolians abroad have requested to return home from 46 different countries, as anger mounts over Mongolia's extended border closure. More than 8000 individuals have been repatriated on chartered flights and vehicles so far - the latest being 360 returnees from Russia.
May 25
Naadam Festival to Be Held Virtually
The 2020 Naadam Festival will be live-streamed and modified to avoid mass gatherings. Playtime, one of Mongolia's largest music festivals, postpones until 2021.
May 21
Mongolia Sends Meat Aid to Russia
Mongolia announces to deliver meat aid worth USD 1 million to Russia in light of rapid infection rates in the country.
May 19
Chartered Flight from New Delhi Arrives
A chartered flight from New Delhi brings home 158 Mongolians from India and 11 nationals from Vietnam.
May 18
World Bank to Support Stimulus Package
The World Bank releases plans to support the government's economic relief package, namely covering social insurance contributions of 120,000 individuals for 5 months. Cases jump to 140, five more returnees from Russia testing positive.
May 13
Imported Cases Spike
92 new coronavirus cases are confirmed in the past two days - all returnees from Russia - bringing the total to 135.
May 13
Mongolians Arrive Home from Russia
347 Mongolian students and military officers return home on Russian military transport planes.
May 01
Charter Flight Arrives From Seoul
273 passengers transiting from seven different countries arrive in Mongolia on a charter flight through Seoul.
April 30
Bill Passed to Check Government Powers
The Parliament passes a bill regulating the government’s powers to enact emergency policies during the pandemic.
April 29
Joint Donation For Vulnerable Communities
The EU, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and World Vision to provide educational, sanitary, and food packages to vulnerable communities in UB and Selenge.
April 28
Border Closure Extended
Heightened state of readiness and suspension of international flights and movement are extended until May 31st.
April 24
36th Case Confirmed From Multiple Testing
The 36th coronavirus case is detected in the third repeated testing, highlighting the importance of conducting multiple tests. Total recoveries stand at nine.
April 22
President Donates PPE
President Battulga donates 5000 personal protective equipment to the SEC.
April 21
Travel From UB Suspended
Following the confirmation of COVID-19 in two freight vehicle drivers in Selenge, the SEC suspends travel to and from UB and Selenge and Darkhan-Uul aimags.
April 20
Asia Foundation Donates PPE
Two new cases are detected in Mongolian students who arrived from Russia, bringing the total to 33. The Asia Foundation donates personal protective equipment worth MNT 50 million to UB.
April 16
31st Case Confirmed
The 31st coronavirus case is detected, as the number of tests conducted in Mongolia surpasses 5000.
April 15
World Vision Donates PPE
World Vision donates personal protective equipment worth MNT 67 to police officers
April 14
Imported Cases Spike
Cases jump to 30 as Mongolians who were studying in Russia test positive for the virus; five people have recovered so far.
April 11
Face Mask Campaign Launches
The SEC launches a nationwide campaign ‘Let’s wear a face mask’.
April 09
Stimulus Package Approved
The Parliament approves a draft resolution for an economic stimulus package in response to the pandemic.
April 08
Flight from Seoul Arrives with Medical Supplies
267 passengers, along with medical supplies from the WHO, arrive in Mongolia on a chartered plane from Seoul. Confirmed cases stand at 16.
April 03
Charter Flight from Japan Lands
266 nationals are evacuated from Japan on a chartered flight.
March 20
School Closures Extend as More Cases Confirmed
Five passengers from the Berlin chartered flight test positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to ten. School and kindergarten closures are extended until April 30th.
March 19
Charter Flight from Istanbul Lands
A chartered flight from Istanbul, Turkey carrying 252 Mongolian nationals lands in Mongolia. All passengers and flight crew are placed under quarantine.
March 16
Three More Cases Confirmed
Three more cases of COVID-19 are confirmed from those on chartered flights carrying Mongolian nationals from Seoul-Ulaanbaatar and Berlin-Moscow-Ulaanbaatar. Total cases stand at four.
March 13
Mongolia Closes Borders
207 people who had come in close contact with the French national diagnosed with COVID-19 test negative. Suspension of all inbound travel comes into effect (including via commercial flights, passenger train, auto, and pedestrian traffic).
March 11
COVID-19 Declared a Pandemic
The World Health Organization declares the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
March 10
First Coronavirus Case Confirmed
Mongolia’s first COVID-19 case is confirmed in a French national who had arrived in the country on March 2nd from a Moscow-Ulaanbaatar flight. Intercity travel is prohibited, and all inbound travel from foreign locations is suspended until at least March 28th. All shops and public places except for grocery stores close until March 16th.
February 28
President of Mongolia Visits China
President Battulga and other government officials place themselves in a 14-day voluntary quarantine after a 1-day visit with the Chinese president. Battulga announces the donation of 30’000 sheep to China.
February 25
Mongolia in Seoul Contracts COVID-19
A Mongolian citizen with underlying conditions in South Korea tests positive for COVID-19 and passes away on February 25th.
February 20
252 Passengers Placed in Quarantine part 2
Heightened state of readiness in the country and suspension of international flights and movement are extended until June 30th. Seven new coronavirus are detected, while six more have recovered. This brings the total confirmed cases to 148 with 43 recoveries.
February 19
Travel Restrictions Enforced during Tsagaan Sar
Dundgobi, Arkhagai, Gobi-Altai, Uvs, and Khovs aimags impose a temporary ban on vehicle movement from February 21st to the 27th to mitigate travel during the Tsagaan Sar holiday. School and kindergarten closures are extended to March 30th.
February 01
Mongolians Evacuated from Wuhan
31 Mongolian nationals are evacuated from Wuhan on a chartered flight. All test negative for the virus.
January 31
Mongolia Closes Its Border with China
Mongolia closes all ports of entry from and into China at least until March 2nd.
January 26
Schools and Kindergartens Close
Schools and kindergartens close effective immediately until March 2 to prevent an outbreak.
January 06
COVID-19 Task Force Assembled
The Ministry of Health of Mongolia assembles a task force to plan for a potential outbreak.
January 01
WHO Prepares for Outbreak Mitigation
The WHO assembles the Incident Management Support Team (IMST) to mitigate the outbreak of a novel infectious disease.
December 31
A Cluster of Pneumonia Cases Reported in Wuhan, China
The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission in China report a cluster of cases of pneumonia in the Wuhan, Hubei province. A novel coronavirus is eventually identified.
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e-Tsagaan Sar: A Safer Way to Celebrate with Your Loved Ones
07 · Feb · 2021
This year's Tsagaan Sar is like no other with lockdowns, curfews, and closed roads. But we can still celebrate the holidays safely with these tips.
