The National Task Force for COVID-19, constituted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended the use of hydroxy-chloroquine for treatment of high-risk cases of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 or novel coronavirus.
Also known as HCQ, hydroxy-chloroquine, is used to treat malaria.
In an advisory released on Monday, ICMR placedasymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients, and asymptomatic household contacts of such patients in the high risk population category.
Earlier in the day, ICMR said a total of 18,383 samples from 17,493 individuals were tested as on March 23, 2020.
