Rapid test for travellers from Kerala

RT-PCR negative report must to enter Karnataka through border check-posts; screening tightened at Kutta and Makutta in Kodagu and Bavali in Mysuru district bordering Kerala

With the State partially lifting lockdown curbs, the Kodagu district administration has stepped up surveillance at checkposts bordering Kerala, making RT-PCR negative report mandatory for travellers to enter the State. “Travellers from Kerala cannot enter Karnataka either through Kutta or Makutta border checkposts in Kodagu if they don’t have an RT-PCR negative report. Also, we are randomly carrying out a rapid antigen test (RAT) at both checkposts as a containment measure,” said Kodagu DHO Mohan. Checking of travellers at the entry points from Kerala has been intensified since Sunday, especially in the light of detection of Delta Plus variant of Coronavirus. The Delta Plus variant is seen as a potential threat and could lead to a hike in COVID-19 cases if screening was not strengthened since the mutant strain is described as highly contagious.