The chief executive of the Health Service Executive is to tell the Oireachtas Committee on Covid-19 that even if a vaccine is developed Ireland will be dealing with Covid-19 for a long time.

The chief executive of the Health Service Executive will today tell the Oireachtas Committee on Covid-19 that even if a vaccine is developed Ireland will be dealing with the virus for a long time. 
Paul Reid will say that the country must adapt its way of life through a combination of behavioural, societal, and healthcare changes.
He will warn that the health service must expect and should plan for subsequent waves of Covid-19. 
He will tell politicians that a “community first” approach will be central to delivering safe, efficient and effective services through the winter months.
Mr Reid will also tell the committee that all shipments of the flu vaccine are expected to be delivered before the end of October and that sufficient doses have been secured to vaccinate all the at-risk groups.
He will warn that a difficult winter season, coupled with a resurgence in Covid-19, is the worst possible scenario for the health services.
Mr Reid will tell the committee that the HSE is meeting all testing demand and that Ireland is one of a few countries which automatically tests close contacts.
He will say that the HSE is also looking at additional equipment, including the use of robots to increase domestic testing capacity and turnaround times.
He will warn that admissions to hospital are rising, with 108 patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19 and 17 confirmed cases in ICU.
Mr Reid will also point out that the profile of patients that has characterised the resurgence in the disease has been lower, but he will say this will change unless community transmission is controlled.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is due to appear before the committee tomorrow morning.