Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. Today on February 14, Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene announced that the Cabinet approved a resolution on lifting the heightened state of readiness and downgrading the level of restrictions from ‘Orange’ to ‘Yellow’.  With the updates that were made to COVID-19 temporary regulations in January this year, no restrictions will be imposed on business operations.

Currently, 92 percent of the country’s total adult population have become fully vaccinated, while 52 percent of target group citizens have been administered with their third shot of COVID-19 vaccines. 90 thousand citizens have also been involved in their fourth shot so far. Thus, based on the risk assessment that was carried out on infection and protection, the Cabinet made the decision to ease pandemic restrictions, noted the Prime Minister during the press conference.

He then specifically noted that with this decision, Mongolia fully opens its borders to international travel. In other words, aside from the advisory being issued for wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, hand sanitizing, and being actively involved in COVID-19 vaccinations, all prior restrictions imposed in connection with the pandemic situation are being lifted. 

Mentioning that it is possible to become vaccinated in Mongolia as the country has now become open to all tourists and investors who are fully vaccinated, “The government, administrative bodies, private entities, and tourism companies of Mongolia will put efforts into creating the necessary conditions to ensure safety and provide smooth services for all those arriving in the country for business and tourism purposes,” he said.

Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene continued on to say, “Since November 12, 2020, Mongolia has imposed strict lockdown measures a total of 7 times, spending 79 days under the ‘Red’ level of restrictions. For the rest of the period, the ‘Orange’ level or the heightened state of readiness was implemented. As a result, the country’s exports halted, the transportation of freight slowed down, schools became unable to organize in-person classes, businesses closed down, and over 200 thousand job opportunities were put in risk. For the very first time since 1992, Mongolia’s economic growth dropped to -5.3 percent. The general budget revenue also decreased by 23 percent.”

Highlighting that the pandemic continues to pose challenges, he then expressed his confidence in all citizens and entities to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by taking the appropriate measures such as being involved in vaccinations and wearing face masks.

In the framework of the ‘New Revival Policy’, the Prime Minister underlined that the government will continue to stand firm in its stance on making up for pandemic losses and increasing investment through economic recovery.