On Wednesday (18 November), the Mongolian government increased the monthly allowance for children under 18 until the first half of next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The measure, originally scheduled to be implemented from April to the end of this year, has been extended until the end of June, 2021, after the country imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19.

All children under 18 can receive 100,000 tugriks (35.4 U.S. dollars) during the period each month, 30,000 Mongolian tugriks (10.5 U.S. dollars) more than before, from the government.

It is estimated that a total of 1.25 million children will benefit from the measure.

There are several other economic measures taken by the government to support households and businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Until June 30, 2021, repayment of mortgage loans can be extended and importers will be exempt from import tariffs on their consumer food products such as rice, wheat and oils.

Mongolia entered a state of public disaster preparedness and imposed a nationwide 24-hour lockdown from 6:00 a.m. Thursday (2200 GMT Wednesday) with effect until Dec. 1, after reporting the first locally transmitted COVID-19 case.