Well, the alternative explanation is that it operates as an immunomodulator, potentially reducing the inflammation from ARDs due to cytokine cascade. However, I've been seeing the research saying that Zinc inhibits RNA replication when it can get into cells, suggesting it's the ionophore activity. I imagine the zinc in the studies was part of the nutritional medium as it's a required nutrient. Zinc basically operates like Remdesivir does but, can't get into the cells without help...