People should prepare for another six to nine months of Covid-19 restrictions, involving repeated waves of the virus, senior health officials have warned. And there will be no “significant game changer” such as a readily available vaccine to relieve matters for the next six to nine months. With admissions to hospitals “definitely rising”, Mr Reid will tell the Oireachtas special committee on Covid-19 that “a difficult winter season, coupled with a resurgence in Covid-19, is the worst possible scenario for our health services”. Asked why NPHET officials would not be taking up an invitation to appear before the Oireachtas Covid-19 committee today, Dr Glynn replied that was a matter for the Department of Health. This would facilitate a new pay structure for public health doctors and allow for the commencement of talks between the Government and medical organisations on a new Sláintecare contract for hospital consultants.

Source: The Irish Times September 29, 2020 00:00 UTC