Mandatory RT-PCR negative report for interstate travellers to enter Bengaluru from April 1

Amid the surge in coronavirus cases in the state capital, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Thursday announced that interstate travellers who are coming to Bengaluru will have to show a negative RT-PCR certificate from April 1.

An order to this effect will be released by the BBMP Commissioner, he told reporters.

Presently arrivals from Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab and Chandigarh are required to produce the negative RT-PCR test report.

“Cases are likely to rise in the coming days. More than 60 per cent of Covid-19 cases in Bengaluru are interstate travellers. Anybody who resides in Bengaluru in apartment complexes or any other residences, who will be coming from outside the state, irrespective of the state they’re coming from, should possess an RT-PCR negative certificate.” Sudhakar said.

Clarifying on the negative test report rule, Sudhakar informed that it was applicable only to Bengaluru and not the rest of Karnataka. Earlier in the day the health minister had convened a meeting with eight joint commissioners of BBMP after Bengaluru reported nearly 1,400 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday.

Pointing out at violation of guidelines for the conduct of events such as marriage where over 3000 attendees are being witnessed instead of the 500 attendees permitted by state government, Sudhakar said event organisers too will be held responsible for these violations henceforth.

Marshals will be stationed in bus stations, markets, theatres, marriages, convention halls, schools and college campuses, to ensure social distancing and wearing of masks.