An exodus of migrant workers to their village homes has triggered a new wave of infections in places that have been relatively untouched by the coronavirus until now.
Rural areas have emerged as the new flashpoint in India’s fight against the virus, despite a government panel cautioning states about the need to strengthen health systems in villages in anticipation of a surge in caseload.
In a report to the Union health ministry, the government’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) on covid suggested local health authorities focus on rural areas.
It was submitted to the health ministry just as an estimated 20-25 million migrants began making their way to villages in trains, buses and on foot.