Karnataka: RT-PCR report mandatory for those arriving from Kerala and Maharashtra

Those travelling from Maharashtra and Kerala to Karnataka will now have to provide an RT-PCR negative certificate. As per the reports, special surveillance measures have been announced by the Karnataka state government, which also stated that those arriving from Kerala and Maharashtra, irrespective of the vaccination status, will need to produce the said certificate that is not older than 72 hours.

Thus, even those who are fully vaccinated people, and are travelling from these two states, will not be required to carry an RT-PCR negative certificate to enter the state. Reportedly, the revised rule will be applicable to any type of visitor entering the state via bus, train, flight, or private vehicle.Further, airlines flying to the state from these two states, will need to ensure that they are issuing boarding passes to only those who have the RT-PCR negative certificate. Likewise, bus and railway operators operating on these routes will need to make sure that the passengers have the necessary health certificate.
The government has ordered setting up of check posts in Kannada, Dakshina Kodagu, and Mysuru districts, which border Kerala. Also check posts are to be set up at Belagavi, Kalburgi, Vijayapura, and Bidar districts, as these spots are adjacent to Maharashtra.

Reason why these states have been singled out is that these neighbouring states of Karnataka currently account for a majority of new COVID cases in the country.