Earlier today (4 December), Mongolian doctors made an announcement requesting people to remain indoors because of high levels of air pollution in some parts of Ulaanbaatar. According to the capital’s air quality unit, the air index reached 501 in the Tolgoit, Amgalan, Bayankhoshuu and Zuragt districts of the capital. Air is considered good when the index is at 50 or below, but hazardous with an index between 301 and 500; at such times people are warned to avoid outdoor physical activities.

With ‘severe’ category pollution levels in many areas, doctors are saying that critically ill patients, or those with respiratory problems must stay indoors; for those who have to go outside, wearing anti-pollution masks and avoiding busy roads, may be the only option to reduce the health risks.