The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following suspected diphtheria cases in some communities.
The directive, announced on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, takes effect from Monday and will remain in place “until further notice.”
Ramnap said the measure was aimed at preventing the spread of the infection, particularly in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
“The directive… is taking preventative measures against the diphtheria infection outbreak of suspected cases in some parts of the State, notably Jos North, Wase, Jos South & Bassa Local Government Areas,” she said.
She explained that the order applies to schools that have already commenced the new academic term, directing them to suspend activities from Monday.
“Accordingly, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also directed to close from Monday, and remain closed until further notice,” she added.
The commissioner urged proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to ensure strict compliance, with pupils and students expected to remain at home during the closure.
“Furthermore, school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians are to comply fully with the directive and ensure that students and pupils remain safely at home throughout the period as part of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff during the period under review,” Ramnap said.
The government said health workers would intensify surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination and decontamination efforts in affected areas.
