Keyworker pathways

Summary

The requester asked for all documents, versions, and approval processes regarding Keyworker pathways for border exemptions during the pandemic. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that they do not hold the requested information, citing a practical refusal, but noted that the Cabinet Office likely holds the data and provided a specific risk mitigation pathway for health and social care workers.

Key Facts

• The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested information on Keyworker pathways.
• The request was refused under Section 11(3)a of the Act as a practical refusal reason.
• The Cabinet Office is identified as the authority that administers the Public Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 and likely holds the information.
• The Department provided a specific Risk Mitigation Pathway for health and social care essential workers who cannot self-isolate.
• The requester was advised to re-submit the request to Public Health within the Cabinet Office.

Data Disclosed

• 2020-12-23
• 2021-01-22
• 1613809
• Section 11(3)a
• 14 days
• Public Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020

Exemptions Cited

• Section 11(3)a of the Act (Information not held)

Original Request

The term Keyworker pathways have been referred to frequently in media releases and by Ministers. It is important for the public to understand how these exemptions to the border closure rules operate, who designs and approves them, the criteria for each pathway and how these pathways have changed over the course of the pandemic. Transparency, fairness and clarity are important factors influencing how the public support the stringent border restrictions which impact every Islander's life. Therefore, please provide: 1. Copy of all Keyworker pathways in operation as at 23 December (with any supporting notes, guidance to decision makers or application form); 2. All previous versions of any Keyworker pathways (by whatever name known) since the border closure in March. 3. Please also provide any supporting policy documents, testing regime information, emails or correspondence, research data and evidence informing the initial creation, development or changes in these pathways. A timeline of the changes would be of assistance. 4. Please include information as to who designs the Keyworker pathways and how they are signed off by medics, public health, the relevant department and Council of Ministers and Tynwald. This request has also been sent to Cabinet Office.

Data Tables (1)

Data Tables (reformatted)

Full Response Text

Interim Chief Executive: Kathryn Magson Freedom of Information Team Crookall House Demesne Road Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3QA

(01624) 642621 dhsc@foi.gov.im Website: www.gov.im/dhsc

Our ref: 1613809 22nd January 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on the 23rd December 2020 and states:

“The term Keyworker pathways have been referred to frequently in media releases and by Ministers. It is important for the public to understand how these exemptions to the border closure rules operate, who designs and approves them, the criteria for each pathway and how these pathways have changed over the course of the pandemic. Transparency, fairness and clarity are important factors influencing how the public support the stringent border restrictions which impact every Islander's life. Therefore, please provide: Question 1: Copy of all Keyworker pathways in operation as at 23 December (with any supporting notes, guidance to decision makers or application form). Question 2: All previous versions of any Keyworker pathways (by whatever name known) since the border closure in March. Question 3: Please also provide any supporting policy documents, testing regime information, emails or correspondence, research data and evidence informing the initial creation, development or changes in these pathways. A timeline of the changes would be of assistance. Question 4: Please include information as to who designs the Keyworker pathways and how they are signed off by medics, public health, the relevant department and Council of Ministers and Tynwald.

This request has also been sent to Cabinet Office.” Our Response:
Our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Department of Health and Social Care (“the Department”) is unable to provide the information that you have requested. This is in line with Section 11(3)a of the Act, as a practical refusal reason applies; namely we do not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested. However you may wish to re-submit your request to Public Health within the Cabinet Office who may be able to help you. The information you have requested is likely to be held by Cabinet Office. This is because the Public Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 are administered and enforced by the Cabinet Office and this includes the assessment and processing of key worker entry to the Island However the Department of Health and Social Care does provide a specific essential work entry pathway for health and social care workers required to travel to the Island necessary for the provision of these services. These specific health and social care pathways that maybe used in a health and care setting with necessary personal protective precautions and other mitigations necessary to protect our community from COVID-19.
To provide further advice and assistance we have attached the DHSC specific Risk Mitigation Pathway for health and social care Essential Workers Arriving into the Isle of Man who it is deemed cannot self-isolate for 14 days following negative PCR test due to the essential work they undertake on the Island, this is most updated pathway.

Please quote the reference number 1613809 in any future communications.

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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.

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Yours sincerely

Risk Mitigation Pathway for Essential Workers Arriving into the Isle of Man who it is deemed cannot self-isolate for 14 days following negative PCR test

*PCR Test on arrival
Negative Positive Healthcare and other Essential Workers Pathway 1 * Rapid Test Day Visitors here for <24hrs Self- isolate for 14 days Pathway 3(A) Needs to be in service immediately and staying >24hrs Pathway 2 No need to be in service immediately Exit PCR test on
Day 13 If negative the
well /asymptomatic Allowed to work In addition ALL people on any of the Pathways 1,2 or 3A there MUST be strict adherence to: - Type IIR Mask - Hand Hygiene - Respiratory Etiquette
- Social distancing - when working

Allowed to work with appropriate PPE Self-isolation for 8 days Repeat PCR test @ 7th day whilst in isolation Allowed to work after 8 days of self-isolation (with appropriate PPE) Allowed to work (with appropriate PPE for 14 days) PCR test daily x 7 days
Version 5 06/01/2021 Continue to work
Negative Positive Negative Positive Negative Positive ALL ESSENTIAL WORKERS ARRIVING INTO THE ISLAND MUST SELF-ISOLATE AT ACCOMMODATION AFTER WORK UNTIL 14 DAYS