Negative RT-PCR report, e-pass mandatory to enter Nilgiris from Kerala, Karnataka

COVID-19

Around 11 checkpoints have been set up on the borders of Pandalur and Gudalur — the municipalities in the Nilgiris that share borders with Kerala and Karnataka.

TNM Staff

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The Tamil Nadu government has imposed restrictions and stepped up checks on the borders of the Nilgiris that fall along the states of Kerala and Karnataka, citing the rising number of cases in the two neighbouring states. Around 11 checkpoints have been set up on the borders of Pandalur and Gudalur — the municipalities in the Nilgiris that share borders with Kerala and Karnataka — and only those who have negative RT-PCR reports are being allowed to enter the state. Six checkpoints have been set up on the Wayanad-Malappuram-Nilgiris route and seven checkpoints have been set up on the Karnataka-Nilgiris route, including the Kakkanallah checkpoint. Only after rigorous inspections by the police and revenue department officials, the vehicles are allowed to enter the district. A large number of vehicles are coming into Tamil Nadu from Karnataka after registering for e-passes, and these too are being checked by the officials. Due to the inspections, heavy traffic congestion was reported on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border, as a long queue of vehicles were lined up at the checkpoints. The officials have been verifying if each vehicle has necessary documentation — an RT-PCR negative report not older than 72 hours and an e-pass. All vehicles without proper documentation are stopped from entering the state. Even taxi drivers and tourists visiting the Nilgiris need an RT-PCR negative report, or a certificate of being vaccinated with at least one dose. The officials are also monitoring to ensure that passengers travel only to the extent permitted in cars and vehicles. Motorists and passengers found violating the rules are being fined. However, there is no facility for medical check-ups at the checkpoint, as there are no health workers on duty at the checkpoints. A demand has been made that health personnel be hired to conduct medical examinations on passengers in need. The district administration had announced new restrictions two days ago, with COVID-19 cases on the rise over the past week. The district administration had mandated that those who come to Tamil Nadu from Kerala need an RT-PCR negative test not older than 72 hours.

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