The Karnataka government on Monday revised the protocols for interstate travellers and issued a circular saying that no quarantine period, no hand stamping, no registration and medical check-up at the state borders is required. This is a first since the COVID-19 induced lockdowns were implemented in March.The Centre on August 22 had asked all states that there should be no restrictions on the inter-state and intra-state movement.
However, they will follow the standard COVID-19 precautions like compulsory wearing of face mask, the physical distancing of 2 meters (or 6 feet), frequent hand-washing with soap and water or use of hand sanitizer, follow cough etiquette, etc. while in public areas and workplaces.
In a circular issued on Monday, Additional Chief Secretary Jawaid Akhtar has also relaxed other guidelines for all types of inter-State passengers. Travellers coming from other States will no longer have to register on the Seva Sindhu portal, be stamped on their hands, be divided into different categories of passengers, or screened at the receiving centres in the district.
There is no need for them to isolate or undergo testing. In addition to this, there will be no home quarantine poster on their door and the resident welfare associations or the apartment owners association does not have to enforce home quarantine. The new guidelines come into force with immediate effect from Monday.
The State government however has ‘advised’ asymptomatic passengers to self-monitor their health for 14 days from the date of arrival for any symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough, fever, difficulty in breathing or throat pain and call the Apthamitra 14410 helpline if they need medical consultation.
