They are repeated saying they are following the scientific advice.

They are avoiding admitting they are on occasion making choices between alternative paths both of which have scientific backing By definition, that choice is not a scientific one. I suggest the reasons they are avoiding that are

(a) they would have to defend it and that demonstrates they are taking such decisions on other grounds. This is a bad idea because they want to leave all responsibility with the scientists.

(b) if they pick the wrong one they have to take responsibility for it.