Covid Testing

AuthorityManx Care
Date received2022-05-03
OutcomeSome information sent but not all held
Outcome date2022-05-24
Case ID2425373

Summary

The requester asked about genomic sequencing practices and variant percentages for SARS-CoV-2 in the Isle of Man. Manx Care confirmed they are not currently sequencing all PCR tests due to UKHSA prioritization and refused to provide variant percentages because no such data is held.

Key Facts

  • Genomic sequencing is not currently performed on all PCR tests in the Isle of Man.
  • UKHSA prioritizes sequencing for hospitalized cases, patients on specific antiviral therapy, and immunocompromised individuals.
  • Manx Care does not hold data on the percentages of variants BA1, BA2, XE, BA4, or BA5.
  • The refusal to provide variant statistics is based on the practical reason that no studies were conducted.
  • The authority indicated that sequencing practices may change as sub-variants increase in prevalence.

Data Disclosed

  • 2425373
  • 2022-05-03
  • 2022-05-24
  • Section 11(3)a
  • BA1
  • BA2
  • XE
  • BA4
  • BA5

Exemptions Cited

  • Section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information not held or cannot be found after reasonable steps)

Original Request

1. Is the Isle of Man still doing genomic sequencing all PCR testing 2. Based if testing is being done what have the percentages been for BA1 BA2 and XE and subsequent variants BA4 BA5

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

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

Our ref: 2425373 24 May 2022

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 3rd May 2022 which states:

"1 Is the Isle of Man still doing genomic sequencing all PCR testing 2 Based if testing is being done what have the percentages been for BA1 BA2 and XE and subsequent variants BA4 BA5"

Our Response 1 Is the Isle of Man still doing genomic sequencing all PCR testing We are not sequencing at the moment as the UKHSA are prioritising testing to hospitalised cases, patients who are receiving specific antiviral therapy and immunocompromised individuals. This will change as sub variants increase in prevalence. 2 Based if testing is being done what have the percentages been for BA1 BA2 and XE and subsequent variants BA4 BA5

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: as per our response to Q1, we are not currently testing and therefore no studies conducted. Please quote the reference number 2425373 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.