however, are dropping. one reason for optimism, merck says its new antiviral drug cuts the risk of hospitalization and death by 50% for covid patients. the company plans to submit a request for emergency use authorization to the fda as soon as possible. experts say this is a major development in fighting the pandemic. >> this is the most impactful result that i remember seeing of an orally available drug and the treatment of a respiratory pathogen, perhaps ever. i think getting an oral pill that can inhibit viral replication, inhibit this virus is going to be a real game changer. it's going to be used like tamiflu. people get vaccinated for flu, but some develop, and tamiflu helps mitigate symptoms in those individuals. >> dr. gottlieb and other health officials are stressing an