Karnataka Makes RT-PCR Test Report Mandatory For These States; More Curbs Likely

by Sanjana Shenoy
Karnataka Makes RT-PCR Test Report Mandatory For These States; More Curbs Likely

Amid the rise in COVID-19 cases, Karnataka has made RT-PCR tests mandatory for people coming from Maharashtra and Kerala. The report will be compulsory, irrespective of the vaccination status of the passenger. It must not be older than 72 hours. The RT-PCR report will be mandatory for people travelling by all modes of transport including flights, trains, buses and private cars. Also, air passengers travelling to Karnataka will receive a boarding pass only after showing a negative RT-PCR certificate. Also, bookings of resorts and homestays can be done only after receiving the mandatory negative RT-PCR reports from the guests, not older than 72 hours.

Bengaluru Has 108 Active Micro-Containment Zones At Present

The Karnataka government has increased restrictions in the state till August 16, 2021. Reportedly, it will take the decision on night curfew or weekend lockdown on reviewing the situation after 15 days. Also, Karnataka has started strict border checking and random testing of travellers. In Bengaluru, many people who had travelled abroad had hidden their travel information due to which many residential apartments have become containment zones. At present, there are around 108 active micro-containment zones in Bengaluru.

Earlier, All Interstate Travellers To Bengaluru Had To Show Negative Covid Test Report

Karnataka Health and Medical Education Minister, Dr. K Sudhakar announced that interstate visitors to Bengaluru will need to show their RT-PCR COVID-19 test report, which should be negative. This will be applicable from April 1, 2021. Dr. Sudhakar mentioned that this is a necessary step to separate the people exposed to coronavirus. He stated to The Indian Express, “With cases likely to increase further in the coming days and after observing that interstate travellers account for over 60 per cent of cases in Bengaluru, it has been decided that all such persons have to arrive with a negative RT-PCR report from April 1.” Apart from Karnataka, Delhi, West Bengal, Andaman, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand have also made Covid negative test reports mandatory. 

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Picture Credits: Times Of India

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Bengaluru Had 70 Percent Of Karnataka’s Covid-19 Cases

This decisive move comes after the Union Health Ministry has identified Bengaluru Urban as the only city outside Maharashtra to be among the ten with the highest active Covid-19 cases. The report also mentioned that Bengaluru has 11,520 active cases and upholds almost 70% of the entire state’s Covid cases. Dr Sudhakar has also mentioned that over 60% of the Covid cases in Bengaluru comprise interstate travellers. Now, without a negative RT-PCR report, even permanent residents will not be allowed to enter. Meanwhile, if you visit the city, here’s where you can gorge on delicious non-veg food in style.