‘Don’t hide suspected cases’ — Plateau Govt reopens schools after diphtheria closure

The Plateau State Government has reopened public and private primary and secondary schools after a week-long closure over reported suspected diphtheria cases.

The government in the same vein warned against concealing suspected cases.

The resumption was announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, on Friday, September 11, 2026.

The schools were temporarily closed from September 7 as a precautionary measure to allow the government assess the situation and strengthen surveillance and response measures.

According to the statement, schools across the state are to resume academic activities on Monday, September 14.

The government said measures had been put in place to reduce the risk of transmission, while school authorities were directed to maintain clean and hygienic learning environments.

“All school authorities are expected to have basic precautionary measures, maintain a clean and hygienic learning environment,” the statement said.

Teachers and school management were also urged to remain alert to symptoms and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.

Parents and guardians were advised to encourage regular handwashing, keep their surroundings clean and seek medical attention where symptoms are noticed.

The government further warned against self-medication or concealing suspected cases, stressing the importance of early detection and treatment.

It urged parents, teachers, school proprietors and students to follow the health advisories as schools resume on Monday.