>HCQ is effective against the parasite plasmodium - not against viruses
Yes, it is effective against viruses. I explained all this back in an old /pnd/ thread. HCQ (a homologue of quinine which was created to maintain the effectiveness of quinine, which is still specified for malaria in cases where HCQ doesn't work) is acting as a zinc ionophore. It helps the cell defend itself. Hence why it is effective against multiple types of cell-invaders. i.e. HCQ is nutrition-based, not some naive "killer of bad things".
HCQ is also indicated in other viral infections - EBV - Epstein-Barr Virus (mono). And others.