As the biggest Mongolian ‘family festival’ approaches, the National Emergency Commission (NEC) has taken the drastic step of closing all roads connecting provinces and cities nationwide from 23-27 February in order to limit the risk of the spread of coronavirus.

This comes after public events, including religious services, celebrating Tsagan Sar were banned by presidential decree. Traditionally the festival, marks the beginning of the new lunar year, according to the Tibetan Buddhist calendar; like Chinese New Year, the nation is on the move, with families travelling to celebrate together.

Earlier today, six Mongolian provinces decided to close their roads. This came before the NEC decision. These measures are for slightly longer periods: in the Arkhangai, Gobi-Altai, Dornogobi and Dundgobi provinces roads will be closed from 21-27 February, whilst in Uvs and Khovd they will be closed from tomorrow until 26 February.