Makati forms monkeypox task force
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 14) — The city government of Makati has formed a task force to monitor monkeypox cases and prevent its transmission in the city, according to Mayor Abby Binay.
"We formed a task force last August 3 to proactively prevent monkeypox transmission in Makati," Binay said in a statement released on Saturday.
The task force is also responsible for disseminating information about the disease to prevent the "spread of fake news" among the citizens of Makati, she added.
Binay also said the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) has held virtual meetings with 26 barangay health clinics to inform them of the modes of transmission, prevention, detection, isolation and treatment of monkeypox as early as June.
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So far, there is no recorded case of monkeypox in Makati. Binay said should there be suspected cases, the CESU will refer them to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine for proper testing.
There is also a plan to use one of the buildings of the Makati Friendship Suites in Barangay Cembo to isolate and treat Makati residents who will test positive for monkeypox.
Binay has urged residents of Makati and non-resident employees to contact CESU via the hotlines (02) 8870-1445, (02) 8870-1446, 09270727794, 09280492927, and 09396756390 to report anyone exhibiting symptoms of monkeypox.
READ: Monkeypox less contagious than COVID-19 with visible symptoms – expert
"We also plan to integrate monkeypox data into our COVID-19 tracker, so that we can use data in making game-changing decisions like granular lockdowns to prevent community transmission," she added.
The local chief executive has also reminded residents to continue following health protocols such as wearing of face masks, maintaining physical distancing, and frequent hand washing since the monkeypox virus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, and contaminated objects.
READ: COVID-19 protocols may be used to prevent monkeypox – DOH
