An Irish national, suspected of being infected with coronavirus, who had reportedly escaped from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, has been traced to a private hotel in Bhubaneswar.

The Irish national and his local associate, with whom he came in contact, have been brought to Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar and admitted in the isolation ward. Their blood and swab samples will be sent for tests and they will remain under observation till reports come, informed Capital Hospital director. He said both are now kept in mandatory isolation after proper counselling.

The Irish man was suspected of being infected with coronavirus after he underwent screening at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar on March 5. SCB authorities said the Irish national along with his associate had come last night after being referred by Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar. He was reported missing after the authorities of SCB Medical College and Hospital intimated police about his allegedly fleeing the health facility.

He was on a business trip to India since February 26 and had checked into a hotel in Bhubaneswar. Director (Public Health) said a team of doctors of Capital Hospital had visited the Irish man at the private hotel and conducted a thorough health check-up. He, however, said there are no major symptoms of coronavirus.