Karnataka: Refusing to get tested for COVID-19 may land you in jail

With the spike of COVID-19 positive cases, the state government has decided to fine and imprison those who deny getting tested for the virus. The ones who deny testing will be fined up to Rs 50,00 and may have to serve a jail term of 6 months to 3 years.

Bengaluru: In the wake of day to day surge in COVID-19 positive cases the state government has decided to fine or imprison those who deny getting tested for the virus.

The state government has declared that those who do not wear masks in public or are primary and secondary contacts with those who have tested positive for the virus will have to get tested for the virus.

Those who have been identified by the government for the testing will have to pay a huge fine or end up in jail if they deny getting tested.

Citizens who deny the test will have to pay a huge fine of up to Rs 50,000 or will have to serve a jail term of 6 months to 3 years.

The order has been issued under Article 4 of Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Ordinance – 2020.

DCs and Municipal Commissioners in all cities and districts in the state have been ordered to imply the new rule at the earliest.

The government has said that refusal of COVID-19 tests has become a serious setback to the government and has led to the increase in COVID-19 positive cases and the death rate.