In order to help reduce the seasonal spread of flu, Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh has authorised several ministries to extend the holiday break for secondary schools.  Ts.Tsogzolmaa, Minister of Education, Culture and Science explained that schools in Ulaanbaatar, will be closed for one month from January 1st, 2018. However, pupils in schools outside the capital will return to school earlier on January 22nd.

Air-pollution in the city of Ulaanbaatar is partly responsible for the increase of seasonal flu. The outbreak of influenza is high among children of kindergartens. However, the Minister explained that they could not close kindergartens because of parents’ jobs and a lack of day care facilities.  According to statistics, attendance at kindergartens is 85-90 percent but schools are only 65-70 percent.