{
  "id": 6183871,
  "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",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-07T22:56:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/plateau-buses-make-face-masks-compulsory-to-curb-diphtheria-spread/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Starting Tuesday, September 8, 2026, passengers on TinCity Metro buses in Plateau State are required to wear face masks to help prevent the spread of diphtheria. This new rule was announced by the Plateau Express Services Group, which operates the TinCity Metro service within the Jos metropolis.\n\nThe management of Plateau Express Services Group issued a statement on Monday outlining the \"No Face Mask, No Entry\" policy, which will remain in effect until further notice. To assist with the implementation, a limited number of face masks will be available at designated boarding points. However, the management advises passengers to bring their own masks, as the provided supplies may not be enough for everyone.\n\nThe decision to enforce face mask use comes as the Plateau State Government intensifies efforts to control diphtheria, a bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. According to a recent report, the state has 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, while five others are being treated 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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-07T22:26:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}