Davao del Sur, Compostela Mandate Face Masks Due to Mpox

THE Province of Davao del Sur and the Municipality of Compostela in Davao de Oro have required residents to wear face masks amid rising cases of Mpox.

Davao del Sur Governor Yvonne R. Cagas, through Executive Order No. 20, Series of 2025, mandated the wearing of face masks and the observance of health protocols following a confirmed case of Mpox in the Municipality of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.

“There is a pressing need to implement localized preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission and ensure the preparedness of all municipalities and barangays within the province,” Cagas said through the order issued on May 28, 2025. 

The order stipulates that all residents and individuals within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao del Sur are required to wear a face mask. Face masks must be worn in indoor public and enclosed spaces such as markets, public transport, offices, schools, churches, and business establishments.

This also includes crowded outdoor areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained, as well as healthcare facilities, especially when caring for or interacting with suspected or confirmed Mpox cases.

The LGU urged the public to follow health measures, such as proper handwashing, using 70 percent alcohol or alcohol-based sanitizers, maintaining at least one meter of physical distance in public and communal areas, observing proper cough and sneeze etiquette, ensuring adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home, in offices, and public places.

The order also calls for the immediate reporting and isolation of individuals showing Mpox symptoms, such as fever, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.

Non-compliance with the order will be sanctioned under national laws and provincial ordinances, including fines, community service, or other corrective actions.

Meanwhile, Compostela Municipal Mayor Levi S. Ebdao issued Executive Order No. 40, Series of 2025, mandating the wearing of face masks and strict observance of health protocols to prevent the spread of Mpox and other emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases (EREIDs).

“There are already reported confirmed and suspected cases of Monkeypox in neighboring provinces within Davao Region, highlighting the urgent need for heightened preventative actions across nearby localities,” Ebdao said through the order issued on May 29, 2025.  

The municipality mandated all residents and individuals within its jurisdiction to wear face masks in enclosed spaces, practice physical distancing, use alcohol-based sanitizers, observe proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, and regularly disinfect surroundings.

Same with Davao del Sur’s ordinance, violators will also be subject to sanctions under existing laws and municipal ordinances, including fines, community service, and other corrective measures.

Earlier, the Davao de Oro Provincial Health Office reported one confirmed and one suspected Mpox case in Maco, and another suspected case in Nabunturan.

According to the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Davao de Oro Provincial Health Office, all patients and their close contacts are currently under isolation and monitoring. Health officials urged the public to avoid direct contact with symptomatic individuals, practice proper hygiene, and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Additionally, the Philippine Red Cross issued a health alert following newly confirmed Mpox cases in the country. The organization urged the public to remain informed and act swiftly if symptoms arise.

The Red Cross advised individuals who are sick to stay at home, wash hands frequently with soap and water, wear face masks in crowded areas, keep skin covered as much as possible, disinfect shared spaces, and call hotline 143 to report suspected cases.

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the Mpox virus. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a gradually spreading rash from the face to other parts of the body. RGP