Police officers on duty as “frontline workers” in the fight against Covid-19 have been asked to take hydroxychloroquine as a preventive only if recommended or prescribed by a registered medical practitioner, sources said.

The directive from the office of the deputy commissioner (traffic) was sent to all assistant commissioners of the traffic department and officers in charge of all sections in Lalbazar on Monday, revising an earlier communication within the police department.

The latest communication emphasises the need to submit a prescription or recommendation from a registered medical practitioner before starting the course, in keeping with ICMR headlines, said a source.

The guidelines also mention that the medicine is not advised for those with a known history of retinopathy, hypersensitivity, cardiac problems or abnormal ECG.

Several city police personnel have tested positive for Covid-19 and some others have been quarantined.