WHEREAS, the 1987 Constitution mandates that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill awareness amongst its people;
WHEREAS, as a critical component of our public health system, disease surveillance and prevention is key to protect our constituents - one of the lessons that COVID left us with;
WHEREAS, as a response to the fast spread of COVID, the 6th City Council passed Ordinance No. 66, Series of 2020 creating the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) of the City;
WHEREAS, the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit’s (CESU) main function is to strengthen the prevention and control of epidemics, emerging, and re-emerging diseases, and implementation of disease surveillance strategies to possible threats to public health;
WHEREAS, on May 2022, World Health Organization (WHO) announced an ongoing outbreak of the Monkeypox Virus (MPV) in non-endemic countries which puts the overall public health at a global level at “moderate risk” after the virus was detected;
WHEREAS, the current situation is evolving and WHO is expecting that there will be more cases that will emerge; it was also mentioned that the trend suggests undetected transmission;
WHEREAS, it has been stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), in several announcements, that one case of the monkeypox in a non-endemic country is considered an outbreak. As of May 26, there are 257 confirmed cases and 120 suspected cases globally; no reported fatalities at the moment;
WHEREAS, it is part of our mandate to prepare and appropriate funds for such situation to protect the health and safety of the people of San Juan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AS IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED, by the Sangguniang Panglunsod of the City of San Juan, Metro Manila, in a session duly assembled, that:
SECTION 1. TITLE. This ordinance be publicly known as the “MONKEYPOX VIRUS (MPV)PREVENTION AND CONTROL ORDINANCE”.
SECTION 2. RELEVANT INFORMATION REGARDING MONKEYPOX (MPV).
a. Monkeypox is a viral disease that can be spread from animals to human, likewise, from human to human.
b. Symptoms of Monkeypox include, in less severe cases, fever, intense headache, muscle aches, backpain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes or lesions (can be flat or slightly raised – filled with clear or yellowish fluid, concentrated on face, palms of hands, and soles of the feet, mouth, genitals, and eyes). In severe cases, it may include skin infections, pneumonia, confusion and eye infections, which can lead to loss of vision, and possibly death.
c. Transmission of the MPV between humans can happen through, but not limited to, close physical contact with someone who has symptoms. Further, the rash and/or bodily fluids and scabs (including those that fall off), ulcers, lesions, or sores in the mouth, and saliva are infectious.
d. Further, clothing, bedding, towels, utensils/dishes used by an infected person can potentially infect others.
e. Incubation is from five (5) to twenty one (21) days, while duration of symptoms lasts usually from two (2) to four (4) weeks.
f. It is not identified, yet, if people who do not have symptoms can still spread the virus.
g. Newborns, children, pregnant, and those with underlying immunodeficiencies may be at risk of more serious symptoms, and death from the virus.
h. Those with smallpox vaccine have some, but not total, protection from the virus, since both viruses have similar composition. It must be noted that smallpox was a disease eradicated in the 1980’s. Therefore, those born after the 1980’s might not have received vaccine for such.
SECTION 3. IMPLEMENTATION.
a. City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) under the supervision of City Health Department (CHD), and San Juan Medical Center (SJMC) shall:
i. Work hand-in-hand in monitoring and preparing for a possible outbreak of the MPV.
ii. Assign isolation rooms dedicated for persons possibly infected by MPV.
iii. Create a control, prevention, and treatment plan, before a possible outbreak.
iv. Monitor the developments for the possible vaccine for the prevention of MPV.
b. Public Information Department (PID) shall assist in the awareness campaign against MPV, and will be responsible for the information dissemination shall there be information that the public needs to know of.
c. City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) shall assist the CESU, CHD, and SJMC in the implementation of control and prevention measures.
SECTION 4. APPROPRIATIONS. The City shall appropriate Twenty Five Million Pesos (Php25,000,000.00) to support the initial implementation of this Ordinance for the prevention, control, and other related activities of the Monkeypox Virus. Preparation and purchase of medications, patient care and treatment management, vaccines, and all related activities shall be included in this allocation.
Should additional funds be needed, a separate ordinance shall be passed. Subject to the availability of funds.
SECTION 5. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. The City Health Department, in close coordination with the Office of the Mayor and Legal Department, is authorized to come up with Implementing Rules and Regulations in aid of the prevention and control, as well as, patient care and treatment efforts. In the case of an outbreak, the IRR must include procurement of necessary materials and equipment.
SECTION 6. REPEALING CLAUSE. All Ordinances, local issuance or rules inconsistent with the provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 7. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. If any portion of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional and/or illegal, the remainder shall be in full force and in effect.
SECTION 8. The authority, issuance, and approval, hereof, are subject to compliance with existing laws and COA rules and regulations on appropriations, expenditures, and procurement.
SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately.