States working to provide food & shelter to migrant workers amid COVID-19 lockdown: Centre

As nation entered its second day of nationwide lockdown to curtail spread of COVID-19, Centre on Thursday assured that state governments are working on measures to provide food and shelter to migrant workers.

" government is taking steps to ensure production, supply or distribution of essential goods and services do t get affected during coronavirus lockdown. States are working to provide food and shelter to migrant workers," Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, told media.

Expressing confidence in decision of 21-day lockdown, R Ganga Ketkar of  Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said steps taken by government are so effective that if people follow m strictly, it will contain spread of virus in country.

Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that 17 states have started working on establishing hospitals dedicated for COVID-19 patients.

READ | Bihar Govt Will Take Steps To Help Migrant Workers Stranded Due To Lockdown: CM Nitish Kumar

PM Modi appeals to migrants against any travel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to migrant workers to stay wherever y are and t undertake train and bus journeys to ir homes. He cautioned people against any kind of travel, saying y are risking ir health and also that of ir family members.

PM Modi's appeal on Twitter came amid reports of migrants leaving for ir homes from big cities. He said travelling in a crowded increases risk of its spread.  risk will also increase for people who live where you will be headed, he said.

READ | Migrant Workers Say Lockdown Has Made Life Difficult For m

"It is my plea to you to stay put for a few days in city where you are. We can all stop this disease from spreading by doing so. By crowding railway stations and bus stands, we are playing with our health. Please be concerned about your health and that of your families. Don't step out of homes if t necessary," Prime Minister said.

A total of 649 Coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far,  Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Thursday. Meanwhile, country is observing a complete lockdown for a period of three weeks to curtail spread of Coronavirus by breaking chain of transmission. lockdown, called by PM Modi has been in effect since Tuesday, March 24, midnight.

READ | Rajasthan Migrant Workers In Gujarat Leave For Homes On Foot

READ | Migrant Workers Returning To Odisha May Be At "potential Risk": Official

(With inputs from ncies)

(Im: PTI)