Amid rising Covid 19 cases, Karnataka seeks to restrict flights from five states

Bengaluru: With inter-state returnees accounting for the spurt in coronavirus cases in Karnataka, the state government on Thursday urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to reduce the number of incoming flights from five states – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Speaking to reporters here Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister JC Madhuswamy on Thursday said that a spike has been observed in COVID-19 cases after the domestic flights were resumed on May 25 and hence it has been decided to restrict flight arrivals from these states.

However it was later clarified that the state government has not sought a ban on flight arrivals but had requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to reduce the number of incoming flights to Karnataka. It may be recalled that domestic air travel was resumed on May 25.

The government has decided to restrict arrival of persons by roads from three states – Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu until further orders. The police have been asked to keep an eye on those arriving from Maharashtra via road.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister JC Madhuswamy informed that the restrictions will be relaxed once the batch of returnees from these states complete the mandatory institutional quarantine.

The influx of passengers has burdened the state quarantine facilities, he added.