DOH denies mpox lockdown rumors, urges fact-checking

On Saturday, May 31, the Department of Health (DOH) denied reports circulating on social media about supposed lockdowns and false information regarding an increase in mpox cases.

The DOH warned the public against misleading Facebook posts and emphasized that there are no lockdowns anywhere in the Philippines, stating 'Walang lockdown kahit saanman sa Pilipinas. Fake news iyan.'

Assistant Secretary Dr. Albert Domingo clarified during a press statement on Monday that while mpox cases have risen slightly compared to April 2024, current numbers for May 2025 are lower than those reported in April.

DOH also stressed that mpox is not airborne and there has been no reported case of the more transmissible Mpox Clade I-b variant in the country. The DOH urged the public to fact-check information before sharing it online.

Face masks remain mandatory in specific areas such as Davao del Sur province, Cotabato’s health facilities, Compostela in Davao de Oro, and Maasin City in Leyte due to mpox cases.