Karnataka makes negative RT-PCR mandatory for Kerala travellers

Following Karnataka's special surveillance measures issued on Thursday, travellers from Kerala shall now have to produce a negative RT-PCR report not older than 72 hours or a vaccination certificate of at least one dose of Ciovid vaccine compulsorily. The new guidelines are applicable for those travelling by air, bus, train, taxi, personal transport or any other mode of transportation.

The fresh guidelines were issued after the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortium (INSACOG) intimated the presence of Delta+ mutant strain in certain parts of Kerala, though the state is satisfied with the measures taken by Kerala to curb the spread of the mutant, the circular read.

"Prevailing pandemic situation entails taking special surveillance measures to prevent the spread into the bordering districts of the state, therefore, fresh guidelines have been issued," it added.

Deputy Commissioners of Dakshin Kannada, Kodagu, Mysuru and Chamarajnagara bordering Kerala shall make necessary arrangements to deploy additional staff at checkposts to check vehicles entering Karnataka for compliance, the circular said. It further added that airlines, railways and state-run transport corporation authorities shall issue boarding passes in buses/ railways only to those passengers carrying a negative RT-PCR report or certificate of having received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.