Udhagamandalam: The Covid-19 curbs imposed at six check posts on the Nilgiris- Kerala border have put people from Kerala in a fix.
According to the Nilgiris administration, people from Kerala should carry a Covid negative certificate to enter the district or give swab sample at the Covid test centres at the check posts.
On Thursday, some tourists decided to go back after officials insisted on testing, sources said.
The measure was taken after a surge in Covid cases in Kerala and Maharashtra. But tourists from Maharashtra and Kerala can also take the Mettupalayam-Coonoor -Ooty route after a flight to Coimbatore. These passengers are mostly missed by the officials at the check posts at Burliar and Kunjappanai. While the check posts lack testing facilities, thermal screening is done.
“We have introduced a screening system at all check posts on the Kerala –Nilgiris border. We insist on Covid negative report. If it is not available, swab samples are collected from passengers,” said Dr P Balusamy, deputy director of public health.
On Friday, a high-level meeting to discuss Covid-19 curbs was conducted at Coonoor, which was attended by district monitoring officer Supriya Sahu, collector J Innocent divya and other officials. It was decided that checks should be made stringent at all check posts and a fine of Rs 200 should be slapped on those who are found not wearing mask. Locals should create awareness among tourists about using mask.