In a first since March, the Karnataka government scraps all the COVID-19 related travel restrictions for inter-state and intra-state movement. By Tanvi Jain
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Karnataka has recently scrapped all travel restrictions for the first time in the past five months since the outbreak of novel Coronavirus pandemic, which means no more e-pass, or a 14-day mandatory quarantine period or even hand–stamping is required.
The state government’s decision came after the Centre recently permitted inter-state and intra-state travel of both goods as well as individuals. Meanwhile, Karnataka has also allowed entry into the state without any pass or permission on Seva Sindhu portal. It has even banned medical check-ups at borders, railway stations, airports, bus stations, etc., and you can easily travel via road, train or flight without any curbs.
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Moreover, the government has urged people to self-monitor for 14 days instead of imposing home isolation or testing. It has also dismissed the need to put up posters outside the residence or inform neighbours and others from the apartment complex or society, panchayat, ward, etc.
As per the revised protocol, in case the travellers are asymptomatic, they need to self-monitor their health for 14 days from the date of arrival, and seek medical consultation, or call Apthamitra helpline 14410. Whereas, those showing symptoms are required to immediately self-isolate, take all the standard COVID-19 precautions and seek immediate medical help.
Furthermore, in case of asymptomatic pregnant women, children below 10 years of age, elderly above 80 and those with any kind of terminal illness, will be tested with the help of the RT-PCR technique and will be stamped and sent for a 14–day home quarantine if found negative.
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Moreover, the state government has also ordered the concerned district health authority and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), to plan Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns about the importance of self-reporting, self-isolation and COVID-19 testing of symptomatic travellers.
However, the restrictions have been relaxed only for domestic travellers, as the international travellers still need to continue following the protocol of 14–day mandatory home quarantine, registration on Seva Sindhu Portal and the required COVID-19 test and health screening.
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