Karnataka Shuts 13 Kerala Entry Points Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

Mumbai: Amid rising COVID-19 cases in Kerala, authorities in Karnataka have decided to close 13 points of entry located in the Wayanad and Kasaragod district.

According to travellers, Karnataka is stressing negative RT-PCR test results. While Kerala has described the move as unfair, Karnakata officials say it is a necessary one.

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This has come as a shock to the residents of Kerala residing in these border areas as open borders were helpful in moving freely for various needs. People, especially the farming and student communities, move regularly from Kerala to engage in activities on land that is either in Karnataka. According to local reports, the test result of COVID-19 should not be more than 15 days old.

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Senior opposition MLA NA Nellikunnu, representing Kasargod assembly constituency, said it was an unfair action by Karnataka authorities and a violation of the unlocked guidelines of the central government. As of date, there are around 58,000 active COVID-19 cases in Kerala.

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“We are given to understand that their officials are now insisting on RT-PCR test results of everyone travelling from Kerala and entering Karnataka. I fail to understand the logic, while people in Kerala strictly follow COVID-19 protocols and wear masks, no such thing is happening in Karnataka and yet they do this unlawful act. We expect immediate intervention of the Kerala government,” said Nellikunnu.

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Playing down the incident, Kerala BJP state president Surendran said this might be an act done by Karnataka authorities as a measure of caution as COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise in Kerala.

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