Buddh International Circuit, India’s only Formula One race track, is being prepared to be used as a quarantine facility for migrant workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Daily wage workers from other states have been leaving Delhi and the National Capital Region to return to their hometowns amid a countrywide 21-day lockdown announced last week to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The premises of the Buddh International Circuit, part of the Jaypee Sports City in Greater Noida, will be used to provide food, shelter and healthcare for those workers who have been affected by the lockdown. It will also act as a COVID-19 quarantine facility.
According to reports, officials of the Gautam Budh Nagar administration have identified the facility and are trying to ascertain how many people can be accommodated. The race track can be used till April 14—when the 21-day lockdown is over.
A total of 28 locations have been identified by the Noida district administration to accommodate migrant workers.
The Buddh International Circuit was inaugurated in October 2011 for India’s first Formula One Grand Prix. However, in 2014, the race was suspended and eventually taken off the F1 calendar due to a tax dispute.
