The Department of Health (DOH) said that there is no reason to delay the opening of classes this month because of the detection of the monkeypox virus in the Philippines.
"There is no reason for us to delay or stop the opening of classes because of the detection of a case of monkeypox in the country," said Vergeire during a press briefing on Tuesday, August 2.
"Meron po tayong mga (We have) safeguards that are put in place so we can ensure the safety of our children," she added.
Vergeire said that they will coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) in setting up screening areas in schools.
"Ang isa sa pinaka importante (One of the most important), and we will be working with the Department of Education on this, would be the screening of children and teachers when they go to school," she said.
"Walang papasok dapat sa eskwelahan na may mga sintomas o di kaya kapag meron ng lesions, makita na natin agad (They should not enter the school if they have symptoms or if they have lesions, we can see it immediately). So, this would be foremost, isa po ito sa pinaka importante na gagawin natin sa bawat eskwelahan (is one of the important things that we will do in every school) ---this is the health screening part," she added.
To note, the opening of the school year 2022-2023 is scheduled on August 22.