A patient who was brought to isolation ward of the Government Wenlock Hospital on Sunday night, reportedly left the hospital against medical advice the early hours of Monday.
The person hailing from the city had arrived at the Mangaluru International Airport from Dubai on Sunday evening. He was found to be having a fever during the medical screening at the airport.
An ambulance was sent from the city to bring him to the isolation ward of the hospital for tests related to COVID-19. Before the staff could come, the passenger reportedly left the hospital. More details are awaited.
Explained: How is India containing COVID-19?
Meanwhile Health Department officials said that he went against medical advice and police has been informed and surveillance team is at his home. "He will be brought back and admitted," said the official.
So far, six throat swab samples of international passengers arriving in Mangaluru were sent for tests. All of them turned negative for COVID-19.
District health team yet to trace passenger
Deputy Commissioner Sindhu B. Rupesh said efforts are being made to trace the passenger.
Ms. Rupesh told reporters in Mangaluru on Monday that the passenger refused to undergo tests for COVID-19 at the hospital. A team of doctors and nursing staff from the District Disease Surveillance Officer were trying to trace him and convince him to undergo necessary tests, she said.
Following Sunday's incident, District Health and Family Welfare Officer Sikandar Pasha said two teams of doctors and nurses will be involved in screening passengers arriving at the Mangaluru International Airport by international flights. This will be in addition to the medical team currently doing the work at the airport.
Action is also being taken to post two ambulances, which will be in addition to the one of the airport, he said.