27000 Migrant Workers Already In Corona Hotspot Ganjam

Berhampur: Around 27,000 people have so far arrived in Ganjam district from other states in 12 trains and 283 buses, Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange informed the media on Thursday.

He said more migrant workers are expected to arrive in the district in the coming days, but there is no specific information about their number or the date of their arrival.

Stating that all 21  COVID-19 patients in Ganjam are Surat returnees, the collector said all migrants are not being tested for the virus. “They are being kept in the government quarantine centres and samples are collected for tests if required,” he said.

Kulangee warned family members of these workers against visiting the quarantine centres. “Anyone found visiting quarantine centre will be forcibly quarantined and action will be taken against them for violation of the directive,” he added.

Also Read: Stay Away From Quarantine Centres Appeal After 21 Surat Returnees Test Corona Positive In Ganjam

According to official sources, around 3 lakh migrants have registered to return to Ganjam. There could be thousands of unregistered migrants who might be on their way back. The Odisha government on Monday  deputed five OAS officers to assist the district administration to handle the problems arising out of return of natives from other states.

The huge influx and bus accidents involving migrants also prompted the Odisha government to restrict their inter-state movement to trains.

Also Read: Migrants Headache: Bengal, Surat Returnees Behind Odisha’s Corona Spike!