What a mess.
During the pandemic the GB also told UK JWs that they could begin writing letters to the public, but didn’t put it in writing—not even in a confidential letter, only verbally.
They seem to like changing policies through low key channels now, while leaving as little as possible in writing.
It’s a bad idea all round from the point of view of spreading confusion and lack of trust among medical JWs and non JWs medics alike.
It’s best explained as a result of deliberations from GB members who really do believe themselves to be conduits from God, because it makes no sense from a practical or strategic perspective.