Covid-19 patient who escaped from Welisara Hospital found

The Covid-19 patient who escaped from the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases (NHRD) has been found in Maradana area, the Police said.

The 43-year-old, who was identified as a resident of Maradana area, had fled last evening (15).

He was admitted to the hospital to receive treatment for tuberculosis, however, a subsequent PCR test had confirmed that he is positive for the novel coronavirus.

According to reports, he had given a fake address during hospitalization.

The Police published a photograph of the escapee, seeking public assistance in their search operation.

Mahabage Police had launched an investigation after the patients had escaped from hospital at around 3.30 p.m. yesterday.

He was found in the Maradana area at around 1.30 p.m. today at a different address than the one provided by him, the police spokesman said.

This is the sixth instance of a Covid-19 infected patients escaping from hospital or treatment center in the country. 

Police spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that after the patient in question completes his treatment, legal action will be taken against him for providing false information to a state official and for violating quarantine laws by fleeing the hospital.