Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government has eased restrictions pertaining to the entry of students from Kerala after clamping restrictions on Monday in light of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the latter state.
The mandatory seven-day institutional quarantine and RT-PCR test is now no longer necessary for all students from Kerala pursuing their education in Karnataka.
However, only nursing, engineering, medical and paramedical students are exempt from the mandatory quarantine. For them, a valid RT-PCR negative report of not earlier than 72 hours will suffice.
All others will be subjected to compulsory institutional quarantine of 7 days at the end of which they will have to undergo an RT-PCR test. The quarentine is also not applicable to those who is coming to the state for medical treatment and for funeral. But they should carry a negative RT-PCR report with them.
This guideline is also applicable to all employees who are employed in Karnataka and arriving from Kerala or have visited Kerala in the previous seven days before entry to the state.
However, students are permitted to attend exams during the weekend curfew adhering to prevailing guidelines to curb COVID-19. Exam hall tickets shall serve as identity pass for movement purpose.
The latest announcements come in the wake of the decision to open schools and colleges in the state.
In places where the test positivity rate is under 2 per cent, the government has decided to start in-person classes for grades 6 and upwards.
Classes have already begun for grade 9 and upwards since August 23, 2021.
Tamil Nadu Government too has made RT-PCR certificates mandatory for Malayali students.
Border checks
The Karnataka Government has stepped up vigil in districts bordering Kerala including Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu.
There will be strict surveillance at the border posts set up by the districts adjoining Kerala and Maharashtra states, the government informed.
A special panel has also been deployed at airports and railway stations to ensure the quarantine conditions are fulfilled by visitors from Kerala.
Karnataka reported 973 new COVID cases and 15 deaths on Monday, whereas Kerala reported 19,622 new cases and 132 deaths.
Kerala has over 2 lakh active cases and Karnataka, just 18,392.
