The country’s healthcare system is ready to handle monkeypox virus cases, a health official said Friday.

In a televised public briefing, Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said the Department of Health (DOH) is working with its stakeholders should the monkeypox virus enter the country.

“The basic infection control is the same. Actually, naka-exercise na tayo with Covid-19 (Actually, we were able to practice the measures with the Covid-19 pandemic),” she said.

Earlier, the DOH said it would implement the four-door strategy — the framework of the National Emergency Operational Response Plan to prevent and control emerging infectious diseases — to prevent the entry of monkeypox into the country.

It involves the “Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat and Reintegrate” approach.

“We were informed by the Bureau of Quarantine, there are no direct flights in the affected areas, so at the point of lay over na-i-screen na (the [travelers] have been screened already),” Cabotaje said.

“Nevertheless, we will have to look at surveillance and other questions for those who may have been coming or who have passed through these areas,” she added.

Observance of minimum public health standards – wearing of best-fitted mask, ensuring good airflow, handwashing, and physical distancing – could prevent monkeypox transmission, health authorities said.

“We are looking also at the probable symptomatic treatment. We coordinate with our global authorities kung ano ang pwede pang gawin (on what else can be done) for monkeypox control,” Cabotaje said. (PNA)