No restriction on interstate movement clarifies Karnataka Health Minister in response to Kerala CM

In response to a letter written by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to Prime Minister that Karnataka has 'imposed new restrictions on the entry of people coming from Kerala', Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar clarified here on Tuesday that there was no restriction on interstate movement.

Vijayan in his letter to the PM wrote, "I invite your kind attention to the new restrictions imposed by the Government of Karnataka on the entry of people coming from Kerala. Many persons, mainly students, trucks carrying essential commodities and patients going for medical treatment are put to undue hardship at the State borders due to this. Kind note may be taken of the fact that imposing restrictions of interstate movement of people by States is contrary to the instructions of Government of India, which are at present holding the field."

"I request your urgent intervention in this matter so that the hardship of people from Kerala travelling to the neighbouring State of Karnataka can be avoided," Vijayan added in his letter.

Sudhakar, in response, tweeted, "Karnataka has not prohibited interstate travel between Karnataka and Kerala. However, as a precautionary measure, guidelines have been issued that travellers entering Karnataka from Kerala must mandatorily possess a negative RT-CR test report not older than 72 hours."

The minister also tweeted a copy of the circular issued by the State health secretary on February 16 which said 'all those arriving from Kerala and checking into hotels, resorts, hostels, homestays, dormitories, etc shall compulsorily produce a negative RT-PCR certificate that is not older than 72 hours.

Owners of tea above mentioned places should ensure that the occupants produce negative RT-PCR certificate."

Karnataka has also issued a similar circular for travellers from Maharashtra.