Direction Notices

Summary

The requester sought an example of a Direction Notice or equivalent exemption certificate issued to a Key Worker in June 2020. The Cabinet Office provided a redacted copy of a Key Worker exemption certificate but withheld personal data under an absolute exemption.

Key Facts

• Direction Notices were not issued to key workers in June 2020; the equivalent document was a Key Worker Exemption Certificate.
• The provided certificate outlines infection control protocols including hand washing, social distancing, and restrictions on public transport use.
• Key workers were required to self-isolate in designated accommodation and travel only between arrival points and work.
• The response was issued by the Cabinet Office on 12 November 2020.
• Personal data within the document was withheld as it is absolutely exempt under the Freedom of Information Act.

Data Disclosed

• 1546145
• 2020-11-05
• 2020-11-06
• 2020-11-07
• 2020-11-12
• June 2020
• 20 seconds
• 2 metres
• 3 steps
• section 25
• Article 5
• Article 6
• IM1 3PN
• 01624 686244

Exemptions Cited

• Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act (absolutely exempt personal information)
• Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation (data protection principles)
• Article 6 of the General Data Protection Regulation (conditions for lawful processing)

Original Request

Please provide me with an example of a Direction Notice issued to a Key Worker in June 2020. I accept that any information that might identify any individual will be redacted. 6 November 2020, we sought clarification from you: I have been advised that Direction Notices were not issued to key workers in June 2020. So we wanted to check with you please, do you mean a Key Worker Exemption Certificate? Or, can you please give further details of what you need a copy or a description of the details in the document to help us locate exactly what you need? On 7 November 2020, you replied: I have attached a copy of a Direction Notice given to Returning Residents. I would like a copy of whatever the equivalent was issued to a Key Worker. It may well be an Exemption Certificate.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

This document is valid for the individual or group of persons named above to enter the Island, and whilst leaving their dwelling house or other permanent place of residence within the time period stated
above only. It can be presented, if requested to do so as evidence of a direction of express exclusion
from the entry restriction requirements in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Emergency Powers (Entry Restrictions) Regulations 2020

As part of your permit approval, your employer or sponsor has agreed that while you are in the Isle of Man, you must follow the instructions in this infection control protocol.

We also expect you to follow the general guidance that applies to everyone on the Isle of Man. It is essential that everyone follows this guidance all the time in order to reduce person to person spread of coronavirus on Island.

• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser
• Aim to keep 2 metres (3 steps) away from people. If you can, you should use a separate bathroom from other people.
• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have one to hand, sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not into your hand.
• Dispose of tissues into a disposable rubbish bag and immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser.
• You should not use public transport or taxis.
• You should not socialise or gather in a large group of people
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• If you are staying overnight, you will be given a designated hotel/accommodation where you will stay. You should only travel from your arrival point to your place of work and back to your hotel. You must self-isolate while at your hotel, following the Isle of Man Government’s guidance at gov.im/coronavirus

Government Office Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PN Telephone: (+44) 01624 686244 Website: www.gov.im/co

Our ref: 1546145 12 November 2020

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 5 November 2020 and which states:

"Please provide me with an example of a Direction Notice issued to a Key Worker in June 2020. I accept that any information that might identify any individual will be redacted.” On 6 November 2020, we sought clarification from you : “I have been advised that Direction Notices were not issued to key workers in June 2020. So we wanted to check with you please, do you mean a Key Worker Exemption Certificate? Or, can you please give further details of what you need a copy or a description of the details in the document to help us locate exactly what you need?” On 7 November 2020, you replied: “I have attached a copy of a Direction Notice given to Returning Residents. I would like a copy of whatever the equivalent was issued to a Key Worker. It may well be an Exemption Certificate."

Please find attached the information requested a Key Worker exemption certificate from June 2020. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide this personal data as it is absolutely exempt under section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act (absolutely exempt personal information). The reasons why that exemption applies are that: • The Cabinet Office is satisfied that the information amounts to personal data of which you are not the data subject; and • The Cabinet Office is satisfied that disclosure of the information would contravene one of the data protection principles as set out at Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation as it applies in the Isle of Man pursuant to the Data Protection (Application of GDPR) Order 2018, namely that the Cabinet Office can only disclose the information where it would be fair, lawful and meet one of the conditions for lawful processing in Article 6.

Please quote the reference number 1546145 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded. If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi. I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely