The Kerala government on Thursday stopped issuing passes to people from other states. New passes will be issued only after the quarantine procedures of those who crossed the border in the past three days are completed, Chief Secretary Tom Jose said.
Individuals coming from red zones have to undergo a quarantine period of 14 days, a Kerala government order stated. Senior citizens above 60 years of age, children below 14 years, and pregnant women and their partners may observe home quarantine.
Their samples will be tested on the seventh day. If their tests turn positive, they will be shifted to hospitals.
Those from red zones will have to pay for the quarantine facility. A spot will be allotted in the quarantine facility depending on its availability.
The details of the desired place of quarantine must be submitted at the checkpoints.
Individuals may travel to the quarantine facility in their private vehicles after crossing the border. The district collector may however, grant permission to use government vehicles. The local self government authorities and police must be informed about the travel details. Individuals who do not get admitted in the quarantine facility will face legal action, the order stated.
By Wednesday, 6,802 persons have crossed into Kerala from others states risking the possibility of another wave of infection.
Over 2.03 lakh have registered in the COVID-19 Jagratha portal seeking return. Among them, 69,108 had asked for passes. Till now, 38,862 passes have been distributed.
The state had opened up six interstate border checkposts for the entry of Keralites from other states. They are Inchivila in Thiruvananthapuram, Aryankavu in Kollam, Kumili in Idukki, Walayar in Palakkad, Muthanga in Wayanad and Manjeswaram in Kasaragod.
A digital pass was allotted to those who have been given permission to travel. The passes were available in www.covid19jagratha.kerala.nic.
A few days ago, a lorry driver, who had gone to Chennai's COVID-19 hotspot Koyambedu market to purchase essential goods, and three of his immediate contacts had tested positive in Wayanad's Manathavady.
The public may contact the war room at the Kerala secretariat for more information inter-state travel and other COVID-related information. The round-the-clock war room may be reached in the contact numbers: 0471 2781100, 2781101.Whatsapp Number: 8281312912.
