The minerals-rich Keonjhar district has become vulnerable in the context of the coronavirus spread. The Government has declared mining and industries of chromite, coal, iron ore, manganese and some other minerals as essential, for which the production of all this continues in the district.

With the mining and industrial activities continuing involving thousands of workers, the workers are at a high risk of the disease. Besides, the return of thousands of migrant workers to their villages is another great threat for the spread of the disease.

Earlier studies reveal that about two lakh labourers migrate outside the district for work and it is found many such migrant labourers are back following the nationwide lockdown. But the exact statistics are unknown both to administration or other agencies. Hence, health checkup and other remedial measures for these people are yet to be done. By the time any patient is detected, infection would have spread to thousands in rural areas where the healthcare system is the weakest. Absence of any transport system also makes the situation further grave for the patients to reach the hospitals except by ambulances.

The mining areas of Joda, Barbil and Champua are considered to be more sensitive. According to the district health information centre, only 37 recent travellers have registered themselves through the toll-free No. 104 out of which 10 have completed their quarantine period and 27 are still under home quarantine. Fortunately, none of them tested so far is corona positive.