A 28-year-old individual from Rajanganaya who left the Welikanda COVID-19 Treatment Centre without authorization on Tuesday night (Nov. 24), was traced by Police while travelling in the Welikanda Town and returned to the Treatment Facility, Sri Lanka Police said on Wednesday (Nov. 25).

The individual was identified as a drug addict, according to Police Spokesperson – DIG Ajith Rohana.

“Since 4th October 2020 to-date, five incidents have been reported, with regard to COVID-19 positive patients leaving treatment facilities, without permission,” the Police Spokesperson said on Wednesday (Nov. 25).

Accordingly, there is a tendency of COVID-19 patients who are dependent on drugs leaving hospitals without authorization.

“The parents, relatives, or friends have a responsibility and liability to inform health authorities, police, and the other officials about drug-dependent individuals who are confirmed COVID-19 positive. When they are transported to treatment centres, then and there the parents/ relatives/ friends should inform the health authorities that this particular person is dependent on drugs. Accordingly, the health authorities can select an appropriate treatment centre, suitable for those addicted to drugs,” DIG Ajith Rohana emphasized.

According to DIG Ajith Rohana, the five cases where COVID-19 infected patients attempted to leave hospitals without authorization are as follows:

• The 1st case was reported during the 2nd week of October in Ragama, where a 60-year-old person left the Ragama COVID-19 ward. The patient was traced and was identified as a drug addict.
• The 2nd case was reported from the Kosgama Salawa Hospital’s COVID-19 Treatment Centre and the patient was identified as a drug addict.
• The 3rd such case was reported from IDH where a 25-year-old woman left the hospital along with her two and a half-year-old son. Prior to testing positive for COVID-19, she was remanded for an offence related to Narcotics.
• The 4th case was an incident where a 22-year-old individual tried to leave the IDH, a few days back. He has also been identified as a drug addict.

The 5th case is yesterday’s (Nov. 24) incident reported from the Welikanda COVID-19 Treatment Centre.