Government officials clash with Nphet over the end of the blockade and Christmas plans

Government officials were reported to have clashed with the country’s medical director during a meeting yesterday amid attempts to draw up an exit plan for the current blockade.

Senior officials emphasized to Dr. Tony Holohan that the government, not the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), would make decisions about lifting the closure and Christmas restrictions, three sources with knowledge of the meeting told the Irish Times.

Officials also complained to Dr. Holohan that Nphet members were seeking to pressure the government with a series of media appearances.

Among the officials was the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, Martin Fraser, who is the highest ranking official in the State.

Evidence of the division between the government and its public health advisers emerged after Dr. Holohan urged people to “work together” to suppress further spread of the virus.

‘Media Strategy’

A source said it was “clear” to Nphet “that the government will make the decision” on the reopening of the country, currently scheduled for December 1.

Another source confirmed that Nphet’s “media strategy” was strongly criticized as some senior officials believed that its members sought to influence government decisions through the media.

The State yesterday surpassed the milestone of 2,000 deaths related to Covid, as 12 more deaths and 379 new cases of the virus were confirmed.

Nphet will meet today to discuss current trends and the spread of Covid-19 across the country.

The government will soon make important decisions about lifting the country’s current level 5 blockade and how it intends to handle the pandemic during December and the Christmas period.