Didn't break COVID-19 protocol, says Banita Sandhu

British actress Banita Sandhu on Thursday issued a clarification on social media stating that she did not break COVID-19 protocol. Reports had emerged that the actress, who is shooting for the film Kavita & Teresa in Kolkata, refused to be quarantined at the Beliaghata Infectious Diseases Hospital after testing positive.

"I appreciate all the well wishes and concerns. However, in spite of what has been published, I am grateful to say I continue to test negative for coronavirus (sic)," she tweeted.

The actress added, "I flew to Kolkata on the 3 January to finish filming Kavita & Teresa. I had two negative COVID-19 PCR tests before leaving. I tested again on arrival and stayed in isolation at the CNCI Hospital overnight until my results arrived the next day, one a false positive and the other negative."

Sandhu stated that while the authorities asked her quarantine herself, she requested them to allow her to self-isolate in a private facility. She stated that she continued to test negative every two days, till the 11 January when she was discharged. 

This statement is contrary to reports that emerged of her refusing to be quarantined at the Beliaghata Infectious Diseases Centre. IndianExpress.com had quoted an official of the state health department as saying, "We had to inform the state health department as the actor refused to come out of the ambulance. She also wanted to leave. The British High Commission was informed as we cannot let her go like this, which is against the protocol. We had to inform the police also. They came and surrounded the ambulance so that she cannot leave. Later, she was taken to a private hospital with the permission of the health department."

Sandhu's statement reads, "I understand the gravity of the situation and have made every effort to adhere to government guidelines to ensure the safety of others as well as my own."

While stating that tests were negative, Sandhu thanked frontline workers, saying, "I'd especially like to thank all the medical staff. I have seen first-hand how tirelessly they are working right now. They are genuine heroes who deserve so much credit for their extraordinary commitment to helping us through these incredibly challenging times."

Kavita & Teresa is being directed by Kamal Musale. Featuring Deepti Naval and Jacqueline Fritschi-Cornaz, the film explores the story of a young woman, Kavita (Sandhu), who is inspired by Mother Teresa.