Cuomo Says Hydroxychloroquine Works, Wants to Lift Restrictions

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke positively of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine — which has been touted by the White House — at his daily press briefing Monday, announcing that the state will request an additional supply from the federal government. 

The Democratic governor said the drug has “anecdotally” been “effective” in treating COVID-19, explaining that state officials have been given permission to use it in combination with the antibiotic Zithromax in hospitals “at their discretion.” 

However, he emphasized that official data has not yet been released. “The tests in the hospital, they’re too short a period of time to get a scientific report,” Cuomo said. 

“Hospital administrators, doctors want to have a significant data set before they give a formal opinion. Anecdotally, you’ll get suggestions that it has been effective. But we don’t have any official data yet from a hospital or a quote-unquote study, which will take weeks if not months.” 

“There has been anecdotal evidence that it is promising; that’s why we’re going ahead,” he added, noting that some patients are unable to take hydroxychloroquine due to their pre-existing conditions or medication regimens. 

With Cuomo’s go-ahead, New York will take in a greater supply of the drug from the federal government, allowing the state to lift a 14-day limit currently in place to ensure there is enough for those who need it to treat other health conditions.

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