Mongolia closes border with China over virus fears
Baku, January 27, AZERTAC
Mongolia has closed its border crossings with China to cars, temporarily shut schools and suspended public events to prevent a deadly virus from reaching its soil, authorities said, according to Channel NewsAsia.
The measures announced by the vast, landlocked country are the most drastic steps taken by any nation so far over concerns about coronavirus, that has rapidly spread across China.
Mongolia has not recorded any cases of the pneumonia-like virus, which has killed at least 81 people in neighboring China.
Almost a dozen countries have found cases, including in Europe, Asia and the United States.
Vice Prime Minister Enkhtuvshin Ulziisaikhan said the decision was made because cases have been confirmed in China's neighboring region of Inner Mongolia.
"Pedestrians and cars are prohibited to cross the Chinese border," Enkhtuvshin said on Sunday (Jan 26), saying the schools and universities would stay shut until March 2, along with other public places such as gaming centers.
"Public events are also prohibited. Public events mean conferences, any public gatherings such as sports, entertainment or travel, and competitions," he said.
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