EASA is not being misleading. The individual pax vents are recommended to be turned to reduce (but not eliminate) flow of air - especially around a symptomatic passenger - to stop the viral particles being blown further afield.
The natural flow of air is from above and drawn in at the feet. (in an Airbus anyway). HEPA filters (insert best JC Flying circus voice) "as used in 'ospitals" are actually very very good at filtering out COVID sized particles.