{
  "id": 6179969,
  "title": "Plateau buses make face masks compulsory to curb diphtheria spread",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/plateau-buses-make-face-masks-compulsory-to-curb-diphtheria-spread",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-07T22:26:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/plateau-buses-make-face-masks-compulsory-to-curb-diphtheria-spread/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Starting from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, passengers traveling on TinCity Metro buses in Plateau State will be required to wear face masks. This measure is part of efforts to curb the spread of diphtheria in the state, as announced by the Plateau Express Services Group. The \"No Face Mask, No Entry\" policy will be enforced on all TinCity Metro buses until further notice.\n\nThe management of Plateau Express Services Group has provided a limited number of face masks at designated boarding points to assist commuters during the initial phase of enforcement. However, they advise passengers to bring their own masks, stating that the available supplies may not be sufficient for everyone.\n\nCommuters are urged to comply with the directive and cooperate with TinCity Metro personnel. The management emphasizes that containing public health outbreaks requires collective responsibility. Plateau State's Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, reported that the state had recorded 148 suspected cases of diphtheria, resulting in 23 deaths over the past two weeks. Currently, eight patients are receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, and five others are at the Plateau Specialist Hospital.",
  "summary": "TinCity Metro buses in Plateau State now require face masks to curb diphtheria spread. Learn about the new policy and state efforts to contain the outbreak Read More: https://punchng.com/plateau-buses-make-face-masks-compulsory-to-curb-diphtheria-spread/",
  "key_points": [
    "TinCity Metro buses in Plateau State enforce face masks starting September 8, 2026.",
    "Plateau Express Services Group initiates \"No Face Mask, No Entry\" policy.",
    "Diphtheria outbreak: 148 suspected cases, 23 deaths in two weeks."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Plateau buses make face masks compulsory to curb diphtheria spread",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/plateau-buses-make-face-masks-compulsory-to-curb-diphtheria-spread-6183871",
        "published": "2026-09-07T22:56:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}