The French government has said doctors are no longer allowed to use hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus patients after two advisory bodies said it could pose serious health risks.

The drug, normally used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, was promoted by French virologist Didier Raoult, who met President Emmanuel Macron to discuss its possibility as a treatment for Covid-19.

US President Donald Trump said he was taking the drug to prevent the illness and it has also been endorsed by Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, but no clinical studies have recommended its use for coronavirus and health officials have warned it could cause heart problems.