Interventions
Participants in the control group were asked to adhere to standard personal protection measures against COVID-19, as recommended in the hospital. The type and quantity of personal protection equipment (PPE) were dependent on hospital and services; the trial did not provide additional PPE. No placebo was used. Patients in the intervention group were assigned HCQ and also to adhere to standard personal protection measures. The intervention consisted of a loading dose of 600 mg of HCQ orally on the first day, followed by 400 mg orally every-other-day. Participants assigned to HCQ underwent a electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to first dose to evaluate QT interval duration; if above or equal to 500 ms (Frediricia-corrected) no doses would be given. Repeat ECG were performed at week 4 and 8 of the study.