HCQ with a regimen of Zinc, Azithromycin, Vitamin D3 is very effective if used when first diagnosed. In the latter stage of the disease progression when critical care in a hospital is needed it is not that effective.
Ivermectin instead of HCQ also works. However, it is also effective in later progression of the disease where HCQ is not.
The use of HCQ and Ivermectin is quite legal for a physician to use as “off label” use of a prior approved drug. As it has become political our doctors hands have become tied.
I am 72 and considered high risk. If I become ill my physician will probably not give me the treatment I need after original diagnosis. He has protocols that are insane and he will not and can not violate. His early treatment will be little. If I become greatly ill I will be admitted to hospital and at great expense may live or may die. With rational treatment I would not need to be admitted.
If I am diagnosed with Covid-19 I will treat myself. I know the protocols. I am a clinical pharmacist now two years retired.
I forgot to add this about Covid 19 rate of infections in third world tropical nations. It is low, much lower than the USA and Europe. Their medical facilities and care is far below ours and Europe. Why is their infection rate lower?
The answer is very simple. The Answer Is Malaria. These areas are endemic with Malaria. Everyone take HCQ as prophylaxis for Malaaria. I also did when working in Nigeria for a couple of years. The HCQ did not kill me nor anyone else on my drilling rig. Nor did but very few catch Malaria.