Noem says state to test anti-malarial drug for COVID-19

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Kristi Noem continued to resist calls for a stay-at-home order amid an outbreak in Sioux Falls on Monday while announcing that the state will run a comprehensive trial for the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to treat and potentially prevent COVID-19.

The Republican governor said the trial was a way to “go on offense” against the coronavirus, pushing forward a treatment that has been advanced by President Donald Trump but also has drawn scepticism from doctors who say it could have severe side effects.

Noem explained that the state’s three largest health care providers would conduct a test with 2,000 people. They will also administer the drug to health care workers as a preventative measure.

Allison Suttle, the chief medical officer for Sanford Health, which will be conducting the trial, said the side effects of the treatment could include nausea or fatigue but did not list anything more severe.

Shortly before Noem’s announcement, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken called on Noem to issue a stay-at-home order for the city as the rate of COVID-19 infections accelerated in recent days, with many coming from an outbreak at a pork processing plant operated by Smithfield Foods.

Noem said she is evaluating the request.