Amid online rumors, DOH says no lockdown due to mpox

People visit a mall in Pasay City on Nov. 19, 2021. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File 

MANILA (UPDATED) — The Department of Health on Saturday, May 31, denied false information that lockdowns have been imposed due to mpox.

The department also warned the public to be vigilant against Facebook pages spreading false information about the disease.

“Walang lockdown kahit saanman sa Pilipinas. Fake news iyan,” said the health department on a Facebook post.

(There is no lockdown anywhere in the Philippines. That is fake news.)

While the cases of mpox are rising, DOH said these are fewer than the number recorded in 2024.

It added that news about mpox is more frequent this year because local governments have been more active in monitoring cases.

The department also noted that mpox is not airborne, so a lockdown is not necessary.

DOH underscored that there is still no case of Mpox Clade 1b, the more transmissible variant, in the Philippines. 

All cases in the country are categorized as Clade II, the mild, less transmissible variant with a lower mortality rate.

FACE MASKS MANDATORY IN SOME AREAS

Face masks have been made mandatory in the following areas:

• Davao del Sur province

• Cotabato province (health facilities) 

• Compostela, Davao de Oro

• Maasin City, Leyte

Face masks are mandatory at the Hall of Justice in Davao but are still voluntary across the city, where six cases of mpox have been reported.

Davao City residents have been seen buying face masks in bulk for resale and personal use, although the City Health Office has said there is no need for it because mpox is not airborne.

The Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Region is monitoring consumer concerns such as hoarding and overpricing of medical supplies, including face masks. — with a report from Hernel Tocmo

Face mask use mandatory again in Maasin City amid suspected mpox case

Davao del Sur, Compostela in Davao de Oro require face masks amid mpox cases

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