The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is preparing to make decisions on COVID-19 pills from Merck and Pfizer, clearing the way for millions of Americans to pick-up treatments for the coronavirus at their local pharmacy.

FDA approval could come for both pills by the end of this month. Once approved, Virginia doctors could immediately order the pills directly from medical distributors for their patients. At least initially, the federal government will put caps on the number of pills physicians can order for their patients.

Click here to read the complete story by Mark Hand in McLean Patch.