Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Summary

A request was made to the Department of Health and Social Care for the number of symptomatic individuals among 434 positive PCR Covid-19 cases. The authority refused to provide the information, stating it is not held by them and is instead managed by the Cabinet Office's Public Health team.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 2021-02-09 and responded to on 2021-02-12.
• The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested data on symptomatic PCR positive cases.
• The information is held by the Covid 111 & Contact Tracing Response Team within the Cabinet Office.
• The refusal was issued under Section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.
• The requester was advised to re-submit the request to the appropriate authority.

Data Disclosed

• 434
• 2021-02-09
• 2021-02-12
• 1665569
• 11th February 2021

Exemptions Cited

• Section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information not held)

Original Request

How many of the 434 persons with a positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for Covid were symptomatic?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

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

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

Our ref: 1665569 11th February 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on the 9th February 2021 and states:

"How many of the 434 persons with a positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for Covid were symptomatic?"

While 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 the Covid 111 & Contact Tracing Response Team within the Cabinet Office who may be able to help you. The information you have requested is held by Public Health.

Please quote the reference number 1665569 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