US scientist who touted hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid named to pandemic prevention role

Steven J Hatfill, a virologist who previously supported hydroxychloroquine during the early COVID-19 pandemic, has been appointed to a top role at the Department of Health and Human Services, where he will focus on pandemic preparedness. Despite being part of the Trump administration that distributed hydroxychloroquine without strong evidence for its efficacy, Hatfill’s new position is drawing criticism from public health officials who argue his views on the drug are not grounded in scientific evidence. The Food and Drug Administration had already warned against its use before it was even authorized for treatment.