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Guwahati, Jan 10: In a bid to avoid the uncertainty of another potential lockdown, the migrant workers working in different parts of the country are heading back home.
In April-May last year, it was the Delta variant of the coronavirus that led to the second wave, and according to experts, the emergence of the third is due to the Omicron variant, which has a high rate of transmission.
As the country faces the spread of the virus in the form of Omicron in huge numbers, the government has been churning out ways to contain the spread.
Moreover, the restrictions and night curfews imposed by various States have only accentuated fear in the migrants of another possible lockdown.
Being apprehensive about getting stranded without any access to basic necessities including healthcare facilities and livelihood, the migrant workers chose the safer option of returning home.
One Hemant Maurya, while speaking to the media, said that he left for home on January 6 from Delhi, however, he will return if the curfew is not extended. Maurya who fears that he will have to face problems due to unemployment is of the view that "if life will be saved, I will find some work."
Reportedly, Delhi has already announced weekend and night curfews, among other restrictions to check crowding, as the city reported a record rise in cases months after a second wave wreaked havoc on its health system and led to a lockdown, leaving many jobless.
Restrictions have also been imposed in States like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh that share borders with the national capital.
However, no lockdown has been imposed and most businesses and activities, including those involving migrant workers, are working complying with Covid protocols.
