RT-PCR negative reports must be at borders until Covid cases dip in Kerala: Karnataka ADGP
MANGALURU: Interstate restrictions on Karnataka-Kerala border check posts in Dakshina Kannada district will continue till the test positivity rate of Covid-19 in the neighbouring state reduces considerably, said Karnataka ADGP (law & order) CH Pratap Reddy. Reddy, who visited interstate borders at Talapady and Salethur in Dakshina Kannada district on Tuesday, said interstate commuters from Kerala, who are visiting Karnataka, should compulsorily show RT-PCR negative certificate at the border check posts.
However, he said, there will be no restrictions for those who are visiting Dakshina Kannada for emergency reasons and students writing exams. Students may enter showing their hall tickets or identity cards, he said. “Since the Covid-19 test positivity rate is high in Kasaragod district of Kerala, Dakshina Kannada district administration and police have been taking up measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Hence, the restrictions of RT-PCR negative certificate for entry into Karnataka will be continued till the positivity rate in Kerala reduces to normal level. If people have any grievances in this regard, we will sort it out. We expect that the positivity rate in Kerala may reduce soon,” he said.
On travellers arriving in Mangaluru through trains, Reddy said that instructions have been given to railway authorities. “Health department has opened a swab collection centre for those who arrive at railway stations without RT-PCR negative reports. We are trying to reduce the time taken to provide RT-PCR report for them. They will be given facilities at the Mangaluru Town Hall for swab collection. Those who test negative for Covid-19 will be allowed to go and infected persons will be sent to covid care centres,” the ADGP said.
On Karnataka enforcing RT-PCR negative mandate at state borders despite central government directions allowing vaccination status as an eligibility criterion for interstate travels, Reddy said that the issue will be communicated with the central government. “We have already held discussions with the central government and the health department of Karnataka. We will discuss the issue and take a decision. Administrations and police chiefs of Karnataka border districts have been in touch with their counterparts in Kerala. We are open to do the needful for those who are in dire need of help and support. No one travelling to Karnataka on emergency purposes will be denied entry,” he added. People from Manjeshwara, Uppala and other parts of the border areas of Kasaragod district of Kerala held a protest against Karnataka’s Covid-19 restrictions by blocking the national highway at Talapady when Reddy visited the place.
