The Government of Mongolia denied that it “hiding information”, and stated that it announcing only “laboratory confirmed” cases. But the country’s health authorities did not deny that it is taking time to confirm samples sent from local emergency authority in rural provinces for laboratory test in Ulaanbaatar.

Mongolia’s death toll from swine flu virus strain reached 18, and reported 1,112 laboratory confirmed cases, most of which was reported in Ulaanbaatar, capital city home to more than one million inhabitants. But the general public believes that the number is higher than reported.
Dundgobi province is the only province that had reported no cases of flu, but the authorities did not deny that it has suspected cases. Ovorkhangai province is the hardest hit province with more than 50 reported cases.

For possible wider outbreaks, the Government prolonged higher state of disaster preparedness nationwide that closed down all kindergartens, schools, entertainment places, sporting events, and cultural performances for additional 14 days until after December 1. However, domestic trains, and commercial bus traffic have resumed their operation last week. But they may subject to screening.

All major markets have been re-opened, and high school students of 7-11 grades were allowed to go back to school starting from Monday. But time limitation for restaurants and pubs to operate until 9pm has remained in effect since its declaration on November 3.
School administration is requiring students to have three masks to change hourly basis during classes, and is screening body temperatures of all students.

According to the health authorities, Mongolia’s peak flu season will start in December and last until February next year.

 The Government made the decision on Wednesday after cabinet hearing attended by health, education and emergency management authorities.
However, public was advised to stay on high alert of “preparedness”, major marketplaces including Narantuul was opened to public, and domestic trains, and inter-city buses resumed their normal scheduled operation. 

“High school students of 6-11 grades are allowed to go back to schooling from next Monday or November 23. Kindergarten children, and 1-5 graders at the public and private secondary schools remained in quarantine for the next 14 days,” said M.Enkhbold, Deputy Premier of Mongolia.
All public secondary schools are required to install thermographic cameras at the school entrance gate, and check body temperatures, one of the signs of the virus H1N1 influenza, to screen students.

Limited timetable for restaurants and bars in the city remained in effect to close all business at 9:00pm. Also, no public gatherings, meetings, conferences, sporting events, cultural performances are allowed.