While there is still no vaccine for coronavirus, the World Health Organision recommends wearing surgical masks, thoroughly washing hands, social-distancing and sterilization to prevent infection. In Mongolia, as in other east Asian countries, wearing face masks is standard practice. However, demand has been outstripping supply: pharmacies in Mongolia have been running out of face masks as soon as they are delivered in the early morning. It is hardly surprising that some Mongolians have become victims of mask fraud. For example, a Mongolian in Erenhot in China’s Inner Mongolia was swindled when he paid MNT 8,4 million by electronic transfer for bulk buying masks on 31 January.

Published Date:2020-03-26