Centre Allows Migrant Workers, Students, Tourists To Return Home Amid The Coronavirus Lockdown

Migrant labourers, students, pilgrims or tourists who do not have symptoms of coronavirus can return to their homes now, the centre said on April 29. It also issued a set of guidelines to be followed. The announcement comes nearly five weeks after the countrywide lockdown that left thousands stranded. The order comes a day after the centre was asked to respond to the issue by the Supreme Court. SC was hearing a set of petitions asking that migrant labourers who do not have COVID-19 be allowed to go home. The order also said that after arriving at their destination, people will have to stay in home quarantine for 14 days, unless institutional quarantine is advised. The order informed that buses will be allowed for interstate movement and people should be sanitised between trips. Rules of social distancing to be maintained in seating arrangements. The lockdown was announced by PM Modi on March 25, leaving thousands of migrant labourers across the country stranded and vulnerable. With no jobs or shelter, many started their journey back home on foot, collapsing, dying before reaching home. The number of COVID-19 cases in India has reached 33050 with 1074 deaths.