Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 24 (ANI): Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has said that close to 50 per cent migrant labourers have opted to stay back and he was 'equally happy' that they did so.

"We are home to 13 lakh migrant workers. In these times, even they want to go home and be with their families. More than 3.5 lakh workers have travelled via trains & buses arranged by us," said Chief Minister Singh in a tweet.

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The tweet further reads: "But I am equally happy that almost 50 per cent (migrant workers) have opted to stay back and we will take care of them."

With 16 new COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab on Saturday, the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the state has risen to 2,045.

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The state tally is inclusive of 1,870 patients who have recovered from the disease while 136 persons are active COVID-19 cases. The number of persons who have succumbed to the virus stands at 39. (ANI)

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