Karnataka mandates 7-day institutional quarantine for visitors from Kerala

Bengaluru: In the wake of the high COVID-19 positivity rate that Kerala has been witnessing for several days, the Karnataka government on Monday decided to quarantine all travellers from the neighbouring state for 7 days.

The decision was taken in a coronavirus review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

As per the state government decision, those coming from Kerala, including students, will have to undergo institutional quarantine for 7 days. They will have to undergo a Covid test on the 7th day.

As per the order, even vaccinated people and those who possess COVID negative RTPCR test reports must observe quarantine for 7 days.

The positivity rate in Kerala has reached 19 per cent and about 30,000 cases are being reported daily. In this background, the restrictions in the bordering districts of Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu will continue, state Revenue Minister R. Ashok said.

As far as the opening of schools is concerned, it has been decided to start classes (from 6th to 8th) in all taluks which recorded less than 2 per cent positivity rate. The schools are going to open from September 6.

Fifty per cent of students are allowed to come to class on one day and another 50 per cent the next day. The schools will remain open for 5 days from Monday to Friday.

The decision was taken after only 14 children tested positive for Covid among 6,472 samples taken from 9th to 12th standard students.

In the districts which have recorded less than 1.5 per cent of Covid positivity rate, the restrictions are relaxed.

Restrictions on marriage halls have also been relaxed as 400 persons can attend marriage functions. In small marriage halls, 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall can gather.

As far as Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are concerned, it has been decided to take a call on September 5. The prevailing Covid situation will be analysed before making a decision.