Publication - FOI/EIR release

Coronavirus outbreak emails referencing ‘pandemic’: FOI release

Published: 30 July 2020
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland, Public safety and emergencies, Public sector
FOI reference: FOI/202000044307
Date received: 8 June 2020
Date responded: 9 July 2020

Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

Information requested

1) Copies of the first 10 (from earliest) e-mails sent to, from or within your organisation in January and February this year which make reference to a “new” “virus” and/or “coronavirus” outbreak originating in “China”, and/or “Wuhan” and/or “Hubei”.
2) The first 10 e-mails sent to, from or within your organisation in January or February this year which mention the word “pandemic”.

Response

I enclose a copy of all of the information you requested, see ANNEX A

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under sections; s. 28 (relations within the UK), s.29(1)(a) (policy formulation) and s.38(1)(b) (personal information). The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained in the ANNEX B to this letter.

Given the nature of your request (you specified emails) I have copied the relevant information into ANNEX A of this letter. Some of these emails contained attachments which were relevant to the keywords you provided in your request. Where this was the case, and for the fullness of this response, I have attached these separately.

I have also included a link to a published document that formed part of an email (see Email 10 in answer to question 2)). Please let me know if you are unable to view these attachments or the link and I can arrange for hard copies to be sent to you.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.