Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 22: The Karnataka government has intensified the restrictions for international returnees who would now have to compulsorily undergo 14-day home quarantine. The decision was taken in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in other countries.  

International travellers returning to the state will not be allowed to board without a negative RT-PCR certificate at the point of origin and upon arrival at the airport in Bengaluru, they will be tested again.

Returnees from all other countries except UK, Brazil and South Africa can give their samples for the RT-PCR test and exit the airport, while those from the three countries transiting via Bengaluru cannot leave the airport until their RT-PCR test is negative. Two separate circulars were issued by the health department on Saturday, February 20.

All international travellers must give their correct residential address and their test results will be conveyed to them. An option to have an express RT-PCR test (Abbott) is also available at Bengaluru airport. The travellers will have to bear the cost of the tests, and those testing positive will have to comply with the state government’s protocol, the circular stated.

The circular further stated that travellers, including airline crew, on a short stay (less than 14 days) and who have tested negative and remain symptom-free, should also undergo all the procedures stated above and will be permitted to leave Karnataka under proper intimation to their district/state health authorities, subject to fulfilling the requirement of the airlines and destination country.

For those entering the state on a short term visit or for business purposes, the traveller must show a confirmed return flight ticket, which should not be more than 14 days later from the date of arrival. The person should show the documents pertaining to the purpose of visit, place of stay, return ticket, visa. They should provide address proof of the person in Karnataka they intend to meet.

Apart from providing the details, the traveller should provide a negative report of the RT-PCR test conducted not more than 72 hours before departure from the UK, Brazil, and South Africa, as relevant. Upon arrival, they should compulsorily undergo an RT-PCR test at Bengaluru airport, and they will be exempted from quarantine if the report is negative. They should again undergo compulsory RT-PCR testing on the seventh day of arrival if they are staying for more than seven days.

If the person tests positive for Covid-19, the person must follow all the guidelines for isolation and treatment apart from regular precautions to be taken for Covid-19. Short stay travellers developing any Covid-19 symptoms during their visit must compulsorily seek medical attention and get tested. These travellers will be monitored for Covid-19 symptoms by district surveillance units.