Hydroxychloroquine can be ruled out as a treatment for hospitalised Covid-19 patients — but the World Health Organisation (WHO) said it was aware of ongoing trials into its value as a preventative measure, according to AFP.

“As far as the use of hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis or prevention of Covid-19 — either before or after exposure — the last word is not yet out,” WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told a virtual press conference.

“There are some good and big trials going on, and we hope those will be completed so that we have the kind of evidence that we need to make sure that patients receive the drugs which help — and do not receive drugs which do not help.”