Kumta: Locals protested against the setting up of quarantine center at Devraj Urs Post Matric Girls Hostel here in Kopalkar Wadi in Kumta by the taluka administration, and demanded that the center be relocated away from the residential areas.

It should be noted that according to the lockdown protocol, anyone entering Kumta from outside the district or from outside the state must be kept in quarantine for 14 days. Government buildings and educational institutions are procured by the taluka administration this regard to facilitate quarantine center. Accordingly, the said hostel was also among the building that is to be converted the into quarantine center. But people have come out strongly opposing it.

According to local residents, there are at least 500 houses in the area.  About 2,000 people live here, the majority of whom are poor and backward, and are dependents of daily wages. If the people in the quarantine center come up with positive cases for COVID-19, it will be an panicking call for the residents. If positive cases are found, the area will be sealed and it will be impossible for the people to go for work.

Hence, they demanded that to set-up quarantine center far from residential areas.