Banita Sandhu offers clarification over refusing treatment for COVID-19

October actress Banita Sandhu recently made headlines after several reports suggested that she tested positive for Coronavirus. The reports also added that the actress had refused treatment after testing positive for COVID-19.

On Thursday, Banita issued a statement wherein she clarified that she never tested positive for Coronavirus. Her statement read, “I appreciate all the well wishes and concern; however, in spite of what has been published, I am grateful to say I continue to test negative for coronavirus. To clarify some of the misinformation: I flew to Kolkata on the 3rd of 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 returned the next day, one a false positive and the other negative.”

Earlier, an official had told PTI that Banita refused to to be treated in a government facility as "she felt the medical establishment lacked infrastructure".

Clearing the air on the same, she further added, “I was taken to Beleghata Hospital to carry out more tests. However, after being informed I would be quarantined with two COVID-19 positive patients, I asked to self-isolate in a private facility while I waited to be tested again. At Medica, I continued to produce negative COVID-19 PCR results every two days; on the 11th of January, I was discharged.”

Furthermore, Banita also thanked the hospital staff for their quick assistance as she wrote, “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. Also, 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. Stay safe everyone.”

On the work front, Banita will be next seen in 'Kavita & Teresa', a film inspired by the life of Mother Teresa.