stops the virus making copies of itself so it reduces the level of virus in the body, reducing the severity of the illness. in trials mind was most effective if given and soon after infection as possible and the nhra which is the uk regulator has today approved the drug. saying it is safe and effective. to be given as soon as possible after a positive covid test within five days of symptom starting. it has been approved for people with mild to moderate covid with at least one risk factor and that could include obesity, olderage, over 60 for example, heart disease. it is made by company and the government has preorder nearly half million doses of this drug. the government says it is in talks with the nhs to see how quickly can start rolling it out to patients through a national study. we don t know how soon that will be? timescale has not been put on it at this stage but clearly they are keen