Gonikoppa (Kodagu): Following increase in COVID-19 positive cases in neighbouring Kerala State and people entering Karnataka through Kodagu-Kerala borders, Inspector General of Police (IGP) – Southern Range Praveen Madhukar Pawar yesterday visited Kutta check-post in Ponnampet taluk and inspected screening of tourists by the officials and Police personnel deployed at the check-post and collected information from them.

The IGP instructed the officials to keep strict vigil and take steps to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. As COVID positive cases are increasing in Kerala, testing centres have been established at Maakutta, Kutta and Karike in Kodagu-Kerala borders to screen tourists entering the State.

The IGP said that Police, Revenue and Health Department officials and staff should work 24×7 at the testing centres opened at Kerala border check-posts and screen everyone besides checking documents and taking action as per the Government guidelines.

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner (DC) Charulatha Somal, Superintendent of Police (SP) Kshama Mishra and officials of various Departments accompanied the IGP.