This came about because of research done in connection with the SARS outbreak that concluded HCQ was effective at stopping the SARS coronavirus in its tracks. COVID-19 is a coronavirus, and though not exactly the same virus as SARS, it is genetically related to it and shares 79% of its genome. They both use the same host cell receptor, which is what viruses use to gain entry to the cell and infect the victim.
The Virology Journal published what now seems a historic article on Aug. 22, 2005, under the heading, "Chloroquine is a potent inhibitor of SARS coronavirus infection and spread." Five of the eight authors were from the CDC. "We report … that chloroquine has strong antiviral effects on SARS-CoV infection of primate cells. These inhibitory effects are observed when the cells are treated with the drug either before or after exposure to the virus, suggesting both prophylactic and therapeutic advantage." What works with chloroquine will likely work with its safer cousin hydroxychloroquine.
Now known as an unrepentant flip-flopper, Fauci used his considerable power to block HCQ use in 2020, despite what science was saying. The follow-the-science hypocrite suddenly decided that HCQ could not be widely used, despite extremely positive results from both research and frontline doctors. He pushed the clinical results aside as "anecdotal." Real-world data endorsed in a 2016 federal law were dismissed arrogantly by Fauci.
Which brings us to this understanding: Despite compelling real-world data starting in March 2020 that cheap, safe and FDA-approved hydroxychloroquine really worked, big media, federal officials and public health despots maintained their vicious attacks. Even into the present.