Covid: Antiviral pill Molnupiravir “will be rolled out – and it could be before Christmas”

Resh Hope as Home First processing for Covid could be offered to the most vulnerable patients before Christmas.

Sajid Javid reportedly intends to launch a pilot project of the antiviral drug.

It was reported on NHS will deploy Molnupiravir to clinically vulnerable and immunocompromised patients within 48 hours of testing positive for Covid.

Hospitals and general practitioners have reportedly been informed of the establishment of Covid drug delivery units to ensure treatment is given to patients as soon as they are confirmed to have coronavirus.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Affairs said: ‘The UK has proven to be a world leader in identifying and deploying effective treatments for Covid-19, including through national trials supported by the government.

“The Government Antivirals Task Force has been launched to identify home treatments for UK patients who have been exposed to Covid-19, stopping the spread of infection and speeding up recovery time.

“There are a number of exciting opportunities in the pipeline and we will provide more details in due course.”

It occurs amid the spread of the Omicron variant in the UK and across the world.

New measures were introduced on Saturday as travelers must now pass a test before departure.

Regardless of vaccination status, anyone visiting the UK or returning from holiday must be tested before departure.

It will come into effect from 4 a.m. on Tuesday, December 7.

Mr Javid explained that there were “an increasing number of travel-related cases”.

Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps added, “As scientists work to understand the new variant of Omicron, we need to exercise extra caution until the picture becomes clearer.

“We understand that it will be difficult for the travel industry as we prioritize public health and protect the progress of our world-leading vax and recall program.”