Covid-19: Karnataka makes negative RT-PCR report compulsory for travellers from Maharashtra, Kerala

In view of the rise in the number of cases in Maharashtra and Kerala, Karnataka has made a negative RT-PCR certificate, not older than 72 hours, compulsory for those arriving from the neighbouring states by flights, trains, buses, or personal transport.

Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said that people coming from Maharashtra and Kerala won’t be allowed inside the state unless they show a negative COVID-19 report.

Karnataka government has also issued a circular in view of rising cases of COVID-19 in Maharashtra. The government said that cases of COVID-19 have increased in several areas of Maharashtra and it clearly indicates that the second wave of COVID-19 has possibly started in the state.

“Anyone who does not comply with this shall immediately be reported and must stay inside the designated ‘quarantine room’ in the facility till RT-PCR test report is negative,” the circular reads.

Karnataka government issues a circular in view of rising cases of COVID-19 in neighbouring Maharashtra. “A negative RT-PCR certificate that is not older than 72 hours shall be compulsory for those arriving by flights/ buses/trains/personal transport,” it reads. pic.twitter.com/ByAovm8YeB

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2021

Meanwhile, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar clarified that there’s no evidence about the presence of South African or Brazilian strain of the coronavirus in the state. “We have so far only found the UK strain. That too in people who came from the United Kingdom,” he said.