Face Masks Now Mandatory on Plateau Metro Buses as Diphtheria Death Toll Hits 23
Mirian Gom 
PLATEAU, Nigeria – Passengers using TinCity Metro buses in Plateau State will now be required to wear face masks as authorities intensify efforts to contain the ongoing diphtheria outbreak that has claimed at least 23 lives.
The Plateau Express Services Group announced the “No Face Mask, No Entry” policy in a statement issued on Monday, saying the directive takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice.
“The Management of Plateau Express Services Group has directed the enforcement of a ‘No Face Mask, No Entry’ policy on all TinCity Metro buses until further notice,” the statement said.
TinCity Metro buses operate across Jos metropolis and neighbouring local government areas, including Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Bassa, transporting thousands of commuters daily.
To ease compliance, the company said a limited number of face masks would be distributed at designated boarding points but advised passengers to bring their own masks as available supplies may not meet demand.
The management urged commuters to cooperate with transport officials, describing the policy as part of efforts to maintain a safer public transport environment.
The directive follows a surge in diphtheria infections across Plateau State.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, recently disclosed that 148 suspected cases had been recorded, with 23 deaths reported within two weeks.
Eight patients are currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, while five others are being managed at the Plateau Specialist Hospital.
Diphtheria spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected persons, making crowded environments such as public transport potential centres of transmission.
The Plateau State Government has already ordered the temporary closure of public and private primary and secondary schools as part of measures to curb the outbreak.
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