Hydroxychloroquine is the drug at the centre of public debate and Donald Trump has revealed he’s been taking it to try and reduce his chances of getting Covid-19. Professor Marc Pellegrini (Walter & Eliza Hall institute of Medical Research) is the lead researcher on the Australian trial and joins us on today's show.

 

In today's news headlines:

• Bushfire royal commission hears black summer “not a one-off”
• Court rules Celeste Barber’s $51 million NSW RFS fundraiser can’t go to other charities
• Preventing male suicide a focus of $20 million mental health package
• Top medical body demands urgent information campaign after Pete Evans anti-vaxxer interview

 

In today's Briefing we ask: How dangerous are the side effects? What are the risks of taking it to prevent COVID-19? What does Australia hope to achieve with their trial? Why are populist right wing leaders latching on to Hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 solution?

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