Merck’s COVID-19 antiviral pill is now approved in the U.K. : Coronavirus Updates : NPR

The U.K. says it’s the first country to approve an oral antiviral medication to fight COVID-19. “This is important, because it means it can be administered outside of a hospital setting, before COVID-19 has progressed to a severe stage,” said MHRA Chief Executive Dr. June Raine. Justin Tallis/POOL/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption…