Sars-cov2 information supply?

Summary

A request was made to Manx Care for details on the source, data, and method of obtaining SARS-CoV-2 genome information. Manx Care refused the request under Section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015, stating they do not hold the information as genomic sequencing is conducted by specialist laboratories in England.

Key Facts

• Manx Care does not hold the requested information regarding SARS-CoV-2 genome sources or data.
• Genomic sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 is not carried out in the Isle of Man health service laboratory.
• Samples are sent to specialist laboratories in England within the Public Health Laboratory Service.
• The authority suggested contacting Public Health, Cabinet Office for further assistance on Q1.
• The request was formally closed on 18th August 2021.

Data Disclosed

• 1919333
• 2021-07-22
• 2021-08-18
• Section 11(3)a
• IM4 4R
• 01624 650 000

Exemptions Cited

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

Original Request

Q1 Please confirm where the Isle of Man Health Service and/or Manx care has obtained information regarding the virus known as sars-cov2 or the virus that is associated with causing covid19? Q2 Please supply the data supplied to the Isle of Man Health service/Manx Care/Relevant IOM Government body for the genome for sars-cov2 or the virus associated with the disease causing covid19? Q3 Please supply the method the Isle of man Health Service/Manx Care was given, what date and by whom regarding the virus genome sars-cov2 or the virus causing the disease covid19?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Manx Care Noble’s Hospital, Strang Braddan, Isle of Man IM4 4R (01624) 650 000

Our ref: 1919333 18th August 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 22nd July 2021 and which states:

"Q1 Please confirm where the Isle of Man Health Service and/or Manx care has obtained information regarding the virus known as sars-cov2 or the virus that is associated with causing covid19? Q2 Please supply the data supplied to the Isle of Man Health service/Manx Care/Relevant IOM Government body for the genome for sars-cov2 or the virus associated with the disease causing covid19? Q3 Please supply the method the Isle of man Health Service/Manx Care was given, what date and by whom regarding the virus genome sars-cov2 or the virus causing the disease covid19?"

Our Response

Q1 Please confirm where the Isle of Man Health Service and/or Manx care has obtained information regarding the virus known as sars-cov2 or the virus that is associated with causing covid19? While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance Manx Care 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 contact Public Health, Cabinet Office for further assistance. Q2 Please supply the data supplied to the Isle of Man Health service/Manx Care/Relevant IOM Government body for the genome for sars-cov2 or the virus associated with the disease causing covid19? While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance Manx Care 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. Genomic sequencing is not carried out in the Isle of Man health service laboratory. SARS-CoV-2 has been sent to specialist laboratories in England within the Public Health Laboratory Service.

Q3 Please supply the method the Isle of Man Health Service/Manx Care was given, what date and by whom regarding the virus genome sars-cov2 or the virus causing the disease covid19?

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance Manx Care 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. Genomic sequencing is undertaken by specialist laboratories in England within the Public Health Laboratory Service. Please quote the reference number 1919333 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.