University of Calgary and University of Alberta researchers have launched a province-wide study to investigate the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine as an early intervention for those who test positive for COVID-19. Supported by Alberta Health Services Strategic Clinical Networks and the Government of Alberta, Alberta HOPE COVID-19 will recruit over 1,600 people who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 to determine whether a five-day treatment of the drug can prevent hospitalization for those at highest risk of developing a severe illness. “We will be targeting Albertans who have an underlying medical condition which has proven to contribute to the worsening of symptoms, and eventual hospitalization,” said principal investigator of the study Luanne Metz. “Managing Albertans entirely in the community will ensure that hospital resources are available for those who are severely ill and others who require medical attention for conditions other than COVID-19.”