Kerala opens borders at 6 locations to enable return of those stranded in other states

Keralites stranded in other states can enter Kerala through 6 locations. They are, Inchivila in Thiruvananthapuram, Aryankavu in Kollam, Kumily in Idukki, Walayar in Palakkad, Muthanga in Wayanad and Manjeshwaram in Kasaragod

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala on Monday opened its borders at six places for Keralites stranded in other states due to the COVID-19 lockdown to return to their native. The government through an order issued earlier had designated six entry points for receiving the stranded persons from other states to enter Kerala.

Stranded Keralites can enter the state through border check-posts at Inchivila in Thiruvananthapuram, Aryankavu in Kollam, Kumily in Idukki, Walayar in Palakkad, Muthanga in Wayanad and Manjeshwaram in Kasaragod. NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) department had on Sunday said that at least 1.5 lakh Keralites from other states had registered to return after the Centre opens inter-state borders.

The state government order has directed the district administration to ensure a facility at each designated entry point to accommodate at least 500 persons at a time and enough parking space for the vehicles near the borders. "We have already set up 60 counters to receive Keralites coming from the other side of the border. We will set up more if required. As of now, schoolteachers are helping us at helpdesks and police, health and revenue officials are also present," Kasaragod district collector D Sajith Babu told media persons.

He said those who have registered with the NORKA will have a vehicle pass and the persons will be medically examined at the border.  "There is a team of doctors here. If a group of people are coming to the state, one person needs to approach the counter to give details of the persons in the vehicle while the rest of them remain in the vehicle. The doctors will examine everyone for any symptoms. If anyone has any symptoms, they will be isolated and the district administration will take necessary steps," Babu said.

The district administration has also readied enough number of ambulances to transport symptomatic persons to hospitals.