Delta virus

Summary

A request was made for genomic data, isolation procedures, and evidence regarding the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. The Department of Health and Social Care refused to provide the information, stating it is not held by them and may be held by Manx Care.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 23 December 2021 and responded to on 21 January 2022.
• The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested information on the Delta virus.
• The information may be held by Manx Care, a separate entity responsible for service delivery.
• The Department was redesigned on 1 April 2021 to separate policy setting from service delivery.
• The requester was advised to re-submit the request to Manx Care.

Data Disclosed

• 2161989
• 2021-12-23
• 2022-01-21
• 2021-04-01
• Section 11(3)a

Exemptions Cited

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

Original Request

1) Please provide a whole genomic identification of the delta strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, not a partial sequence 2) Please confirm test procedures to identify a delta strain virus and the method statement of how it is purified and isolated 3) Please provide all evidence of delta contagion in men and women 4) Please confirm that the delta strain has a unique sequence and was obtained from saliva, mucus, blood or urine from a man, woman or animal. 5) Please confirm that delta is not an in silico computer made up model of a strain of a virus thank you,

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Interim Chief Executive: Karen Malone Freedom of Information Team First Floor Belgravia House Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1AE

Our ref: 2161989 21 January 2022

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 23 December 2021 and which states:

"1) Please provide a whole genomic identification of the delta strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, not a partial sequence 2) Please confirm test procedures to identify a delta strain virus and the method statement of how it is purified and isolated 3) Please provide all evidence of delta contagion in men and women 4) Please confirm that the delta strain has a unique sequence and was obtained from saliva, mucus, blood or urine from a man, woman or animal. 5) Please confirm that delta is not an in silico computer made up model of a strain of a virus thank you,"

Our response: 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 as it may be held by Manx Care. You may wish to re-submit your request to Manx Care which is an option available on the Freedom of Information request portal, who may be able to help you. To provide advice and assistance, the Department of Health and Social Care redesigned on 1 April 2021 as a direct result of Sir Jonathan Michael’s Independent Review of the Isle of Manx Health and Care System. This Review continues to be a catalyst for change and improved service provision.

The redesigned Department ensures the separation between the setting of policy and strategy and the delivery of services by Manx Care.

Please quote the reference number 2161989 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.