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Covid-19: DoH denies 'stifling' QUB academic
Image source, PA Media
The Department of Health has said the Chief Medical Officer has not attempted to limit academic freedom.
Dr Michael McBride wrote to Queen's University after an unnamed academic gave advice on PPE usage in April.
The department said it is "not unreasonable" to raise concerns about media commentary which could "create confusion".
In the letter written on 24 April, Dr McBride said the comments "may put patients and staff at risk".
Image source, Department of Health
On Wednesday Queen's University virologist Conor Bamford said academics had been told to restrict their public commentary.
In a social media post Dr Bamford suggested that could make things worse during the pandemic.
He tweeted on Wednesday that he "understood public health is a sensitive matter at this time."
"Requesting that virologists do not engage with the media on such issues at this critical time and only talk about 'the virus' does not bode well for the future of this pandemic," the tweet continued.
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A Department of Health spokesperson responded on Friday by saying that the letter could "in no way be accurately represented as an attempt to stifle academic opinion".
"It was felt that the public comments had the potential to create concern and confusion among GPs during an already stressful period," the spokesperson continued.
"Academics should be assured that their unfettered contributions to public understanding are welcome and valued.
"At no time has the department or any of its officials sought to curb that discourse."
Image source, Reuters
A Queen's University Belfast statement confirmed it had received a letter in regards to advice given about the usage of PPE.
"Queen's University is proud of the contribution our staff have made to the tackling the pandemic across a range of disciplines, including virology and public health," it said.
"Many of our academics have also played a valuable role in providing the public with their academic insights via the media. The university actively encourages and facilitates all academic colleagues to do this within their field of expertise.
"The Chief Medical Officer contacted the university several weeks ago to clarify a specific point relating to the public guidance that had been issued about PPE following comments made by a member of staff in the media."
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