KK region stares at the second wave of Covid-19 infection Large number of migrated workers return home after lockdown relaxation
Kalaburagi, Yadgir and Bidar districts of Kalyana Karnataka region which witnesses a large number of exodus to Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru in search of jobs, are likely to see the second wave of Covid-19 infections with migrant workers being travelled back home.
Five people returned from Maharashtra having tested positive for Covid-19 in Kalaburagi district has given credence to the second wave of the infection.
Covid-19 has left Kalaburagi district battered for the past two-and-half months.
An official on condition of anonymity said, “second wave of the novel coronavirus infections is likely in the month of June due to reverse migration from Maharashtra which is hit-hard by the virus in the country. About 12,000 migrant workers, approximately 90% from Maharashtra, have arrived to Kalaburagi district after the lockdown relaxation. As many as 50,000 migrants are expected to travel back to the district in the coming days.”
Some of the migrants may have carried the virus. Those who have returned have been kept under institutional quarantine and their health is being monitored on a daily basis. Till Wednesday, a total of 58 throat swab samples drawn from the migrants were sent for testing. Of which, five returned positive, he explained.
Kalaburagi district administration has a big challenge as it has to cope with the influx of migrant from neighbouring Maharashtra, with which the district shared the border. The migrant workers sharing common toilet and bathrooms at quarantine centres has caused great concern as it is one of the sources for the infection. It may lead to spike in the number of positive cases among the migrant workers.
Deputy Commissioner B Sharat told DH that a total of 294 quarantine centres have been set up in the district so far to house the migrant workers travelling back to the district. The district administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the migrants are maintaining social distancing at the quarantine centre.
Utmost priority has been given to cleanliness there. The officials are monitoring the centres closely. We are preparing ourselves to tackle any situation.
A total of 12,025 migrants have returned to the district so far after the lockdown relaxation, he explained.
Yadgir district is also on the same path as it is witnessing the return of a large number of migrated people. According to a source, a total of 40 institutional quarantine centres have been set up in the district and 4,344 workers (till Wednesday) returned from other States have been quarantined. Though no migrant worker was diagnosed with Covid-19 infection, the situation may not be the same in future, the source added.
B Sharat
Deputy Commissioner
“A total of 294 quarantine centres have been set up in Kalaburagi district to house the migrant workers travelling back to the district. The district administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the migrants are maintaining social distancing at the quarantine centres
