Ulaanbaatar. On 12 February, Mongolian President Kh. Battulga issued a decree providing instructions to the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country. President Kh. Battulga issued a message to the public today, 17 February, calling on them to stop widespread festivities and to assemble for the Tsagaan Sar holiday. Mentioning that the one-time forgiveness of pension-backed loans is a gift from the Mongolian government to its senior citizens for the traditional Lunar New Year holiday, the President said in his address the government is seeking ways to increase the minimum pension amount MNT 500,000. “As my earlier decree to suspend the celebrations of Tsagaan Sar holiday this year was an inevitable decision to prevent from the spread of coronavirus in Mongolia, I call for all people to organize their Tsagaan Sar's‘ zolgolt'–a formal Mongolian greeting online using modern technologies to not put the health of elder people at risk. The President also emphasized the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene and urged the public to avoid crowds and public gatherings. “The government is working earnestly to take necessary measures to maintain food supply, ensure safety and keep prices stable.” said President Kh. Battulga.