Another COVID-19 patient who had escaped from the Welikanda Treatment Centre last night was later arrested and placed in quarantine again, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said bringing the total number of COVID-19 patients who had fled from hospitals to five.
The individual who fled from the Welikanda COVID treatment Centre was reportedly a drug-addict, DIG Ajith Rohana said. Adding that the 28-year-old was a resident of Rajanganaya. He also added that the other four individuals who fled from various hospitals were also found to have dealing in drugs. Prior to this, individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 have fled from the Ragama hospital, Salawa, and two others from the Infectious Disease Hospital in Angoda.
DIG Ajith Rohana called on the general public to inform health officials or the Police if they know of any drug addicts who had contracted the disease.
This he said will help law enforcement officials to keep tabs on individuals who may likely attempt an escape.