Ozamis mayor orders wide measures against Monkeypox

By: Bhal Abad Cabrera

Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental | In response to the growing concerns surrounding the possible spread of the Monkeypox (MPox) virus,

Ozamiz City Mayor Atty. Henry “Indy” F. Oaminal Jr. has officially ordered the implementation of precautionary measures to ensure public safety.

Through an executive directive issued on May 29, Mayor Oaminal announced the adoption and enforcement of the Department of Health Memorandum 2024-0306, which outlines the updated interim guidelines on the prevention, detection, and management of MPox.

This measure applies to all sectors within the territorial jurisdiction of Ozamiz City. Key Provisions of the Order: 1. Mandatory Use of PPE in All Health Institutions and Vehicles All healthcare workers in both public and private facilities, including non-health personnel providing clinical or environmental services, are required to wear complete and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during working hours.

Health facilities are also directed to implement thorough disinfection procedures and follow the minimum health protocols as set by the DOH. 2. Compliance in Government Offices and Private Establishments All government and private workplaces are strongly encouraged to:

* Require employees to wear face masks during work hours;

* Establish sanitizing stations at building entrances;

* Enforce proper hand hygiene among staff; and * Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces.

3. Public Health Practices The general public is urged to:

* Wear face masks in public spaces;

* Avoid close contact with individuals showing MPox symptoms;

* Observe frequent handwashing and hygiene; * Disinfect items and surfaces often touched by the public;

* Avoid contact with sick animals, especially mammals that may carry the virus.

4. Symptom Monitoring and Reporting Individuals who develop symptoms such as fever, rash, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue are advised to self-isolate and seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility. Pet owners are also encouraged to observe their animals for signs of rash, lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite and report such symptoms to the City Veterinarian Office. In a public statement posted on his official social media page, Mayor Oaminal said the purpose of the order is to prevent the spread of the virus and avoid the need for stricter measures in the future.

“Let’s do what we can now to prevent the spread of this virus to our city, and so we don’t have to enforce stricter measures and penalties to deal with it. Amping ta tanan!” the mayor said.

As of this writing, there are NO CONFIRMED MPox cases in Ozamiz City, but the local government continues to closely monitor developments and ensure that preventive health guidelines are followed. The city government encourages all residents to cooperate fully and remain vigilant in protecting themselves and their communities.