Public Health

Summary

The requester asked for data analytics and decision-making grounds regarding the removal of COVID-19 restrictions and the shift to endemic status on the Isle of Man in 2022. The Department of Health and Social Care refused the request, stating they do not hold the information as it may be held by Public Health within the Cabinet Office.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 19 April 2022 and the response was issued on 16 May 2022.
• The Department of Health and Social Care stated they do not hold the requested information.
• The authority suggested the information may be held by Public Health, which is part of the Cabinet Office.
• The requester was advised to re-submit the request to the Cabinet Office.
• The refusal was based on Section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

Data Disclosed

• 2022-04-19
• 2022-05-16
• 27 April 2022
• 3 May 2022
• 16 May 2022
• 2393865
• Section 11(3)a
• March and April 2022
• 1X weekly

Exemptions Cited

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

Original Request

I request the following information regarding the COVID 19 strategy. Advise and provide the data analytics pertaining to how it was determined it was safe and prudent to drop all COVID restrictions on the Isle of Man in 2022 Who made that determination of dropping the restrictions and on what medical and educational grounds and assessment did they undertake to make this determination Who and why was the dashboard stopped and only a surveillance report published 1X weekly -and what data analytics were used and what educational background was used to make this determination and yet pubic advised to make their own determination when no data is available. Who and on what grounds did the government determine the pandemic is now endemic contrary to WHO, etc and what is the background from an education perspective to make such a determination

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

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

Our ref: 2393865 16 May 2022

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 19 April 2022 and which states:

"I request the following information regarding the COVID 19 strategy. Advise and provide the data analytics pertaining to how it was determined it was safe and prudent to drop all COVID restrictions on the Isle of Man in 2022 Who made that determination of dropping the restrictions and on what medical and educational grounds and assessment did they undertake to make this determination Who and why was the dashboard stopped and only a surveillance report published 1X weekly -and what data analytics were used and what educational background was used to make this determination and yet pubic advised to make their own determination when no data is available. Who and on what grounds did the government determine the pandemic is now endemic contrary to WHO, etc and what is the background from an education perspective to make such a determination"

On 27 April 2022 we requested clarification from you and your response on 3 May 2022 is below: I request the following information regarding the COVID 19 strategy. I am requesting the data analytics used in determining that it was prudent to drop the majority of COVID restrictions in March and April 2022 -what criteria was used and what were the acceptable case number thresholds of infection in making the decision -was the decision recommended by all relevant stakeholders i.e., Manx Care, Public Health, EAG and then approved by DHSC 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 Public Health. You may wish to re-submit your request to Cabinet Office, which Public Health forms part of, which is an option available on the Freedom of Information request portal, who may be able to help you. Please quote the reference number 2393865 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.