When medical workers went to take a swab sample for the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, the patient was not to be found in the treatment room.Kendari, SE Sulawesi (ANTARA) - A patient who tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease during a rapid test escaped from a hospital in Kendari, the capital of Southeast Sulawesi province, where he had been admitted for further testing.
The patient, a resident of North Konawe District, was admitted to the isolation room at the Bahterams General Hospital on Sunday (April 26) following a positive rapid test, spokesperson for the Provincial COVID-19 Task Force, Dr. La Ode Rabiul Awal, said on Tuesday.
When medical workers went to the isolation room to take his throat swab sample for confirming the COVID-19 diagnosis, they found the patient had run away.
"When medical workers went to take a swab sample for the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, the patient was not to be found in the treatment room," the spokesperson said.
The patient may have fled as he was scared or under stress, he added.
Dr. La Ode Rabiul Awal said the task force has reported the incident to the police. (INE)
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Translator: Abdul Azis Senong/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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