Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 30: Deputy commissioner (DC) of Dakshina Kannada district, Dr Rajendra K V, clarified that there have not been any changes in the restrictions imposed at the district's border with Kerala. He asserted that the order mandating RT-PCR tests at Kerala border is meant to restrict spread of covid19, and the same has been continued.

"We have noted the reports which claim that the central government has removed the RT-PCR compulsory requirement. The state government has issued tough restrictions at the border and the district administration has implemented it. Even though Kerala government questioned the restrictions in the high court, the view of Karnataka has been upheld by the court," he said, speaking to a Kannada daily.

He said that about 31,000 new covid19 cases are being reported from Kerala every day, and the positivity rate in Kasargod is about ten to12 percent. "We have with lot of efforts, brought the positivity rate down to 2.4 percent. Kerala border is like the gateway for Karnataka, and this might cause third wave in the state. We have been opening educational institutions in phases and we are facing lot of challenges. RT-PCR negative report is difficult to implement but we have no other option but to continue with it," he said.

In the meantime, the positivity rate in Dakshina Kannada fell to 1.81 percent on Sunday.