CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 29 May) – Local residents rushed to buy face masks after the City Health Office (CHO) announced that its personnel must wear them following reports of confirmed monkeypox (mpox) cases in parts of Mindanao.
Councilor George Goking, chair of the city council’s trade and commerce committee, said residents also purchased alcohol in response to the CHO memorandum issued on May 26.
The memorandum, signed by City Health Officer Rachel Daba-Dilla, stated: “In line with the new reported case of MPOX outside the region and as part of the prevention of any possible spread of diseases in the city, you are hereby directed to adhere to the Minimum Public Health Standards, particularly MANDATORY WEARING OF FACEMASK in your workplace at all times.”
Dilla also ordered the posting of “No Facemask, No Entry” signs at CHO offices and health centers. However, she clarified that no mpox cases have been confirmed in Northern Mindanao.
Goking said the memorandum caused panic instead of reassurance, reminding residents of the shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I saw someone buy seven boxes of face masks and bottles of alcohol from a mall. If this continues, supplies will run out,” he warned.
He urged government agencies to coordinate to prevent shortages and price surges, similar to measures taken during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health regional office required a formal request before providing clarification.
Mpox symptoms include rashes, fever, loss of appetite, and severe fatigue, with transmission primarily through close contact. Confirmed cases have been reported in Davao City, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, and Maguindanao del Norte. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
