Total cost of PCR tests imposed on unvaccinated resident travellers.

Summary

A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office for data on the number and cost of PCR tests for unvaccinated residents between June and September 2021. The authority responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting Manx Care instead.

Key Facts

• The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information regarding PCR test numbers or costs.
• The request covered the period from 28 June 2021 to 16 September 2021.
• Applicants were advised to contact Manx Care or submit a new FOI request to them.
• The response was issued on 8 December 2021.
• The request specifically asked for data on unvaccinated residents and children under 16.

Data Disclosed

• 28th June 2021
• 16th September 2021
• 26th June 2021
• £30.00
• 22 November 2021
• 8 December 2021
• 2100498

Original Request

Please can you confirm the following: 1. How many PCR tests (first and second) were undertaken by unvaccinated IOM residents returning to the IOM during the period 28th June 2021 (the date from which vaccinated Island residents could return to the IOM without testing) to 16th September 2021 ( the date from which unvaccinated Island residents could return to the IOM without testing)? 2. How many IOM resident children (i.e. persons under the age of 16) had to undergo such PCR tests when returning to the IOM during such period? 3. What was the total financial cost of such PCR tests i.e. the total number of first PCR tests undertaken by returning unvaccinated residents during the period 26th June 2021 to 16th September 2021 x £30.00 cost? Thank you.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

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

Our ref: 2100498 8 December 2021

Dear ###

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

"Please can you confirm the following: 1. How many PCR tests (first and second) were undertaken by unvaccinated IOM residents returning to the IOM during the period 28th June 2021 (the date from which vaccinated Island residents could return to the IOM without testing) to 16th September 2021 (the date from which unvaccinated Island residents could return to the IOM without testing)? 2. How many IOM resident children (i.e. persons under the age of 16) had to undergo such PCR tests when returning to the IOM during such period? 3. What was the total financial cost of such PCR tests i.e. the total number of first PCR tests undertaken by returning unvaccinated residents during the period 26th June 2021 to 16th September 2021 x £30.00 cost? Thank you."

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Cabinet Office does not hold the information that you have requested. However, you may wish to contact Manx Care who may be able to help you: Manx Care, Head Office, Noble’s Hospital Estate, Strang, Braddan, Isle of Man, IM4 4RJ or, submit a freedom of information request to Manx Care directly: https://iomportal.icasework.com/resource?id=741209&db=iom.

Please quote the reference number 2100498 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