Tamil Nadu Lockdown: In a bid to prevent a surge in Covid cases, the Tamil Nadu government on Sunday made negative RT-PCR test report mandatory for people coming to the state from Kerala. “RT-PCR report mandatory for people coming from Kerala to Tamil Nadu from August 5”, state Health Minister, Ma Subramanian made the announcement today.

The development comes as Kerala witnessed a sudden surge in Covid cases in the last few days. The state yesterday saw 20,624 new Covid positive cases, taking the total new cases in the past five days to over one lakh.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George cautioned the people that utmost caution has to be maintained with regard to observing Covid protocols as in the present circumstances according to experts a possible third wave is expected.

“According to statistics, 50 per cent of the state population is vulnerable to Covid. Moreover the new Delta virus is also a serious one and if the third wave happens before the vaccination process is over in the state, then things could be worrisome,” said George.

Earlier on Saturday, Karnataka also intensified testing at inter-state borders with Kerala and Maharashtra. “Testing at inter-state border check-posts has been intensified and a negative RT-PCR test report or a certificate on taking two doses of vaccine has been made mandatory for all entering the state from Kerala or Maharashtra,” Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.