Security has been tightened at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) following the escape of a COVID – 19 patient on Friday.
The patient who escaped was apprehended after a few hours on the same day by authorities and was taken back to the IDH.
NIID Director Dr. Hasitha Aththanayake said no COVID-19 patient except for the above person identified as a drug addict who was earlier an inmate at the Kandakadu Drug Rehabilitation Centre has escaped from the hospital. According to Dr. Aththanayake, social media are now carrying out a fabricated story about another COVID-19 patient escaping from the NIID. “This is totally false,” he added.
“The public should not believe whatever appears in social media. Accurate information can be obtained by contacting me on my mobile phone 0776275283,” he added.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 patient, who was apprehended after escaping from the IDH has been transferred to the Kandakadu Quarantine Centre Hospital.