Davao City mpox cases rise to six, face masks now mandatory in courts

The number of mpox cases in Davao City has risen to six, with four new infections reported on Friday.

Dr. Sofia Corazon Zafra, CHO medical coordinator, stated that the close contacts of these new cases are being monitored but do not need to be isolated according to DOH guidelines and there is no increased risk at this time.

Davao Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Rowena Apao-Adlawan has imposed a mandatory face mask policy in courts across Davao City, effective Thursday, May 29.

Dr. Zafra advised residents to avoid panic buying face masks as the virus is not airborne and instead focus on avoiding close skin-to-skin contact.

Despite voluntary mask-wearing in Davao City, neighboring areas like Davao del Sur have mandated their use due to stricter health protocols.