DOH Denies Nationwide Lockdown Amidst Mpox Concerns in the Philippines

The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) has issued a statement today, May 31st, 2025, denying rumors of an impending nationwide lockdown in response to recent mpox cases. The statement comes amid a flurry of social media posts suggesting the need for stringent measures similar to those taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. "It's crucial to dispel these unfounded rumors," said a DOH spokesperson, who added, "Mpox is not an airborne disease, and the risk of widespread transmission is not currently high enough to warrant a lockdown." The DOH spokesperson further emphasized that the department is closely monitoring the situation and will implement necessary public health measures as needed, but a lockdown is not currently under consideration. The video report from News5 further reinforces the DOH's message, showing images of everyday life in the Philippines, underscoring the normalcy of the current situation. The swift action of the DOH in addressing misinformation and reassuring the public demonstrates a proactive approach to managing public health concerns.