South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem has made South Dakota the first state in the US to conduct a statewide clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine and its effects against COVID-19.

According to The Daily Caller:

South Dakota will be the first state to test hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for the coronavirus in a statewide clinical trial, Republican Gov. Kristi Noem announced Monday according to Fox Business.

“I made direct requests to President Trump and Vice President Pence to supply us with enough hydroxychloroquine so that it could be made available for every hospitalized person the state may have as well as for those healthcare workers on the frontlines and those in the most vulnerable populations,” Noem said, according to Fox Business. 

While there is currently no proven treatment for the coronavirus, some doctors have reported that hydroxychloroquine, which has been used for decades as a malaria treatment, has been effective when used in tandem with other substances.

“From day one, I’ve said we’re going to let the science, facts, and data drive our decision-making in South Dakota,” Noem said in a statement. “Throughout last week, I communicated with White House officials to let them know that South Dakota’s medical community was ready to step up and lead the way on research efforts.” 

If this trial shows positive results it could be a major breakthrough in the fight against the virus.