Canada is looking into drugs that might treat COVID-19.
Chief medical officer of health Dr Theresa Tam said they are researching an anti-malaria drug called Hydroxychloroquine.
Tam added Canada is taking part in drug trials, but it’s an ongoing process and they are also aware that it’s needed to treat other conditions.
“Some are manufactured in Canada, so we are monitoring the supply situation and looking to what we need for the purposes of patients who need them, and the trials that need to be conducted,” she said during her daily update on COVID-19.
Canada has seen 248 deaths from COVID-19 and there are now over 14,000 positive cases.
Other strategies are also on the table, as Tam said healthcare workers may be asked not to throw out face masks in case they can be safely reused.
She calls sterilizing masks a “worthwhile” idea.
“Part of it is the science of the contamination, of what works, and the second part is we are looking at multiple entities in Canada that might be able to actually do this,” Dr. Tam explained.
Homemade masks made from fabric have been gaining attention, and on Saturday Dr. Tam said wearing one mask could be helpful for situations like crowded public transportation. However, she pointed out that the science behind fabric masks is not completely known, including the best materials and the best way to use them.
For now, she said they are not likely to protect you from catching the virus, but they could offer some protection to those around you.
