UK Authorizes Merck Antiviral Pill, First Shown to Treat COVID

By MATTHEW PERRONE and MARIA CHENG, The Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Britain has granted a conditional authorization to Merck's coronavirus antiviral. It's the first pill shown to successfully treat COVID-19.

The U.K. is the first country to OK the treatment. But it wasn't immediately clear how quickly the drug known as molnupiravir will be available. It's intended to be taken at home twice a day for five days by people with mild to moderate COVID-19.

An antiviral pill that reduces symptoms and speeds recovery could prove groundbreaking, easing caseloads on hospitals and helping to curb outbreaks in poorer countries with fragile health systems.

Molnupiravir is also pending review by regulators in the United States and the European Union.

Utica's Chicken Riggies Dish Wasn't Invented in Utica? Say It Isn't So.

The now-famous Utica Chicken Riggies recipe has taken on a life of its own. The dish is now found well outside the Utica-Rome area and it's getting more and more popular as word spreads around the northeast. While there are many variations of the dish today, there's still only one original recipe. So, who created the first "Riggies" recipe and where did it really originate.

Gallery Credit: Bill Keeler

Demystifying the Funeral Home Prep Room

Gallery Credit: Kristine Bellino

11 Ways to Avoid Getting Ripped Off When Holiday Shopping Online

The world-wide shipping delays have shoppers buying holiday gifts early this year and much of the commerce is happening online. After all, how can you avoid the amazing deals? Now more than ever, these amazing deals are shady transactions that look authentic and safe.

One way to shop safely online is to buy from local vendor websites, or visit sites like Etsy which touts small meaningful gifts, often times created by small businesses and crafters.

The Better Business Bureau recommends online buyers do research before they click the checkout button.

Here are 11 things you can do to avoid getting ripped off online, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Gallery Credit: Bill Keeler

Filed Under: (COVID19)