RT-PCR negative certificate must for travellers returning to flats in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Residents of apartment complexes and gated communities who are returning to Bengaluru following inter-state travel are mandated to carry RT-PCR negative reports (not older than 72 hours). If they are not carrying such reports, they should compulsorily undergo an RTPCR test and stay in home quarantine till the results are out.
This is part of the latest measures announced by BBMP chief commissioner Gaurav Gupta in the backdrop of an increase in the number of Covid clusters and containment zones in the city. There were more than 160 containment zones in the city and half of these are apartments.
Kids above 3 to wear mask in open spaces: BBMP
In a note to resident welfare associations (RWAs) and management committees of apartments, housing societies and gated communities, Gupta stated: “If any resident or his/ her family members has undertaken interstate travel, it is suggested to ensure they are tested. This rule shall be applied for official travel too.”
The advisory is silent on exempting those completely vaccinated from producing the negative test report.
While emphasizing on strict adherence to Covid protocols such as masking and distancing, the chief commissioner’s note suggests the apartment associations and committees to maintain a comprehensive list of all nonresidents visiting or accessing the complex. While allowing the common areas to be used with Covid-appropriate behavior, the associations/ committees are to ensure that these places do not get converted into socializing or meeting points for residents. The BBMP note states that children above three years should wear masks while in open spaces/play areas and conduct of group classes/ group activities should be avoided.
Gupta stated that if three or more cases are reported within 100 metres in a housing society or gated community, the it will be declared a cluster and that house, along with all adjoining houses within 100 metres, will be notified as containment zone. In case of an apartment, if a cluster is detected on a single floor, that floor along with one below and above it will be declared a containment zone.
Containment zones shall remain active for a minimum of 14 days from the date of declaration of the last detected positive case. The BBMP directive suggests RWAs to form task forces for effective communication, surveillance and containment of Covid. The RWAs have been instructed not to stigmatise, harass or abuse any affected resident of family.