Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Mar 24: As soon as they got information that the whole of the state would be brought under lockdown, thousands of people from the taluk who were working in other districts were seen to be returning to their hometowns in hordes. This exodus has given rise to the fear that they might contribute to fast spread of coronavirus in the area.

Chief minister Yediyurappa and senior police officers had dropped enough hints on Monday evening about the possibility of Karnataka going under lockdown. Section 144 was enforced in Bengaluru since Sunday, as a result of which companies and roadside businesses were closed down. The migrant workers who did not know what to do, packed their bags on Monday evening and returned. As per an estimate over 3,500 people came to the town by mini buses, tempo traveller vehicles, and other vehicles.

Police in Bengaluru had allowed all vehicles leaving the city till midnight. Therefore, the people had no problem in returning home. The locals say that even if one among them is coronavirus positive, the infection might spread large and wide. Some say that it was wrong on the part of officials to allow people to cross district borders as it could give rise to health risks.

Police have beefed up security all over the taluk. People in every vehicle have been issued stern warning. The vehicles are warned of lodging cases if they are seen on the road again.

Coronavirus awareness team with the coming together of officials from police, health and revenue department, has been formed. Marks have been made in front of each shop to enable people to stand in line.