Method and intervention
followsThe
DISEASE PROGRESSION, BLIND
In this randomized control double blind clinical trial, the participants were randomly assigned into either PEP/HCQ group or control/placebo group, after getting written informed consent. The PEP/HCQ group received tablet HCQ 400 mg q 12 hourly on day one, followed by 400 mg once weekly for 3 weeks (total 5 tablets and collective dose of 2000 mg). The control/Placebo group received matching Placebo, 1 tablet q 12 hourly on day one, followed by one tablet once weekly for 3 weeks (total 5 tablets) instead of HCQ. Both groups were advised with standard care in the form of home quarantine for 2 weeks along with social distancing, and personal hygiene. The dose of HCQ for the study intervention was reached according to the ICMR recommendation for PEP with HCQThe COVID-19 cases were defined and categorized as followsThe participants, who were diagnosed to be COVID-19 cases, were instructed for continuing home quarantine along with symptomatic medications. They were followed up telephonically for any disease progression and offered admission at the COVID-19 center of the institution, PGIMER, Chandigarh, for further treatment according to the institutional COVID-19 management protocol.