DAVAO del Sur and the municipality of Compostela in Davao de Oro have issued executive orders mandating the mandatory wearing of face masks and stricter health protocols in response to rising monkeypox (mpox) cases.
Governor Yvonne Cagas of Davao del Sur issued Executive Order No. 20 on May 28th, while Mayor Levi Ebdao of Compostela issued Executive Order No. 40 on May 29th. These measures aim to curb the spread of the virus following confirmed and suspected cases in both provinces.
The executive orders require the wearing of face masks in public places including markets, public transportation, offices, schools, churches, businesses, and other crowded or enclosed areas.
In addition to mask-wearing, the orders reinforce other health protocols such as maintaining a minimum distance of one meter between individuals, frequent handwashing, proper ventilation, and regular disinfection of homes, offices, and public spaces.
Violators of these regulations will face penalties.
The decision to reimpose stricter measures follows the confirmation of an mpox case in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, and one confirmed case alongside three suspected cases in Davao de Oro.
These developments come in the context of two confirmed cases and one fatality reported in Davao City. The local governments are taking proactive steps to prevent further spread and protect public health.
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