As a preemptive measure against Mpox, the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur has required its residents to wear a mask in enclosed areas and public spaces.
These public spaces include health care facilities, markets, public transportation, offices, schools, churches, and business establishments.
The order, stipulated in Executive Order No. 20 Series of 2025 also covers crowded outdoor spaces and other areas where physical distancing is difficult to observe.
The town of Magsaysay in the province has logged one Mpox case.
The province deems it necessary to put health protocols early to avoid the possibility of the virus spreading.
In Cagayan de Oro City, a barangay has also required its workers to wear a mask at the Barangay Hall.
Signages were also put up at the barangay hall to remind workers of the health protocol.
There is no case of Mpox in CDO, as of this writing, but the barangay believes prevention is the best way to deal with the virus.
“With all that experiences nakita sa atong kapitan Julito Ogsimer nga kinahanglan gyud nga aksyon agad, kinahanglan nga adunay calculated actions nga pagahimuon to prevent. Although wala pay presence ana sa Cagayan de oro pero dili nata maghulat,” said Jeoffrey Baconga, treasurer and spokesperson of Barangay Lapasan.
The barangay has also gathered its 28 sitio leaders so they can help convince residents to wear a mask.
“Dili man ni siya pugsanay but this is encouragement nga we encourage tanan katawhan kay dili man ni siya prisohon gyud ka og dili ka musunod… this is only to encourage the public,” Baconga added.
TRANSMISSION
Mpox may be transmitted through several ways:
- Through close skin-to-skin contact
- By kissing, having sex, or talking closely with someone infected
- By touching contaminated clothes, linens, and other surfaces
- Through needle injuries
- From mother to baby during pregnancy or birth
- By handling or eating infected animals
(With reports from Cyril Chaves)
