By Pat Jared Pangantihon,
and Shiela Mae Butlig
Correspondents
The Cagayan de Oro City Health Office issued a memorandum on May 26 mandating the wearing of face masks as an added precaution following confirmed cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox) outside Region 10.
The directive, which takes effect immediately, requires the mandatory wearing of face masks in the workplace at all times. All offices have also been instructed to enforce a "No Face Mask, No Entry" policy.
The City Health Office urged residents to observe minimum public health standards after confirmed mpox cases were reported in South Cotabato, Zamboanga, and Maguindanao.
In a statement from the City Information Office, City Health Officer Dr. Rachel Dilla said her office is conducting daily monitoring to help prevent the entry of the disease into the city.
“There are no reported cases in Northern Mindanao so far,” Dilla said.
Despite the absence of confirmed cases in Region 10, the City Health Office advised the public to wear face masks in public places and to regularly wash their hands.
The office also warned against contact with animals such as dogs, cats, and pigs — particularly those showing signs of respiratory illness — as the virus can be transmitted through saliva.
Residents experiencing flu-like symptoms, including cough, runny nose, joint pain, and rashes, are advised to seek medical attention at the nearest barangay health clinic.
According to a report from Rappler, more than a dozen individuals have tested positive for mpox, with South Cotabato recording the highest number at 10 confirmed cases. The cases involve both toddlers and adults.
