Cianan Brennan: Nphet must ensure its Covid messaging is based on science not politics

The Irish public needs clear and unambiguous communication from politicians and officials alike

CMO Dr Tony Holohan, deputy CMO Dr Ronan Glynn,  chief nursing officer Rachel Kenna, and Nphet chair Prof Philip Nolan, and National Virus Reference Laboratory director Dr Cillian De Gascun at the recent Covid-19 media briefing. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

With Covid seemingly ramping up for yet another wave, the return of that lockdown staple — the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) press conference — has not been entirely welcome.

We were supposed to be moving into the beyond-Covid times. We clearly are not, and the need for weekly updates in Dr Tony Holohan’s dulcet tones serves as a reminder of just how poor a position we are in with regard to Covid some 18 months on.