RT-PCR negative report must to enter state at Dakshina Kannada

MANGALURU: Inter-state restrictions on the Karnataka-Kerala border checkposts in Dakshina Kannada district will continue, till the test positivity rate of Covid-19 in Kerala reduces considerably, said ADGP (law & order) C H Pratap Reddy.
Reddy, who visited the inter-state borders at Talapady and Salethur on Tuesday, said commuters from Kerala, who are visiting Dakshina Kannada, should compulsorily show RT-PCR negative certificate at the border checkposts. However, he said, there will be no restrictions for those who are visiting Dakshina Kannada for emergencies and students writing exams will be allowed to enter with their hall tickets or identity cards.
“Since the test positivity rate for Covid-19 is high in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, the Dakshina Kannada district administration and police have been taking measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Hence, the requirement of RT-PCR negative certificate for entry into Karnataka will be continued, till the positivity rate in Kerala reduces to a normal level. If people have any grievances in this regard, we have given directions to sort it out. We expect that the positivity rate in Kerala may reduce soon,” he said.
On travellers arriving in Mangaluru through trains, Reddy said that instructions have been given to the railway authorities too. “The health department has opened a swab collection centre for those who arrive at railway stations without RT-PCR negative reports. We are trying to reduce the time taken to provide RT-PCR reports for them. They will be given facilities at the Town Hall for collecting swabs. Those who test negative for Covi-19 will be allowed to go, and infected individuals will be sent to Covid care centres,” the ADGP said.
On Karnataka enforcing RT-PCR negative mandate at the borders of the state, despite the central government’s directions, allowing vaccination status as an eligibility criterion for inter-state travel, Reddy said that the issue will be communicated to the central government.
“We have already held discussions with the central government and the health department of Karnataka. We will discuss the issue and take a decision. The district administrations and police chiefs of the border districts of Karnataka have been in touch with their counterparts in Kerala. We are open to do the needful for those who are in dire need of help and support. No one travelling to Karnataka on an emergency will be denied entry,” he added.
While Reddy visited Talapady, people from Manjeshwara, Uppala and other parts of the border areas of Kasaragod district of Kerala held a protest against Karnataka’s Covid-19 restrictions, by blocking the national highway at Talapady.