Despite Karnataka closing its borders due to the coronavirus outbreak, essential services and goods are allowed to cross the border to go to other states.

The Karnataka government closed its borders as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of novel coronavirus which causes Covid-19.

The Karnataka government closed its borders as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of novel coronavirus which causes Covid-19.On March 21, 2020, Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa issued a notice and closed its borders with all of its 6 neighbouring states. The notice also provided a list of goods and services deemed essential which were exempted from the restriction. Vehicles carrying these goods and services are allowed to cross the border and enter the state of Karnataka.

The notice clearly states that the borders with neighbouring states will remain closed for inbound passenger movement except in cases of medical emergencies and unavoidable circumstances. However, Kerala pointed out in an affidavit filed on April 1, 2020, that Karnataka did not allow coronavirus-positive patients to cross the Kasaragod border to seek help in Mangaluru and resulted in the death of six people. This issue is now being discussed between the Central government and the two-State governments but has not produced any results so far.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.