Karnataka: Rapid antigen test mandatory for inter-state daily commuters

MANGALURU: In a big relief to hundreds of people in Kerala's Kasaragod district working in various sectors in Dakshina Kannada district, the Kerala government has decided to reintroduce the inter-state pass system for daily commuters between Kasaragod and Mangaluru.
The caveat is that they should undergo an antigen test for Covid-19 on a weekly basis to renew their passes.
A decision to this effect was taken by Kerala revenue minister E Chandrashekharan at a video conference with officials and people’s representatives on Monday. The minister said the Kasaragod district administration will resume issuing passes for daily commuters.
However, he said, “They should undergo antigen test for Covid-19 on a weekly basis to renew their passes. Similarly, one-time inter-state passes will also be issued for those who want to take part in weddings, funerals and other functions in both states. All applicants should also undergo antigen test after the visit.”
Hundreds of people from Kasaragod, working in various sectors in Dakshina Kannada district, were on verge of losing their jobs due to Kerala’s decision taken on July 6 to not allow regular entry and exit via Talapady border.
As per the previous order, daily commuters, especially professionals/ students/ other workers, had to stay in their workplaces for 28 days before returning. Later, Kerala relaxed rules on July 23 allowing only bank employees from Kasaragod to travel daily and work in Dakshina Kannada. Monday’s decision will help all categories of employees.
In its columns, TOI had highlighted the problems faced by commuters and how some were even forced to resign due to Kerala’s decision.
Meanwhile, some commuters had started an online campaign with the hashtags #Opentheborder and #Savemyjob requesting the Kasaragod district collector to allow them to commute daily.