Former RACGP president Professor Michael Kidd is fronting the Federal Government’s national TV and radio campaign urging patients to talk to GPs about COVID-19 antivirals before they contract the virus.

The government has been accused of failing to adequately inform patients about the potentially life-saving treatments given the window for their use is five days from symptom-onset.

Early real-world evidence has suggested the drugs reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19 by 50-70% in vulnerable patients.

Professor Kidd, now deputy chief medical officer, will feature in a 30-second advertising spot (see video below).