Publication - FOI/EIR release

COVID-19 testing for University students: FOI release

Published: 2 November 2020
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland, Education, Public sector
FOI reference: FOI/202000091995
Date received: 28 September 2020
Date responded: 29 October 2020

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

Information requested

Any communications (including letters and emails) between the Scottish Government and Scottish universities on the subject of COVID-19 testing for university students or general guidance concerning COVID-19. I would like this information from 01 August 2020 to 27 September 2020.

Response

I enclose a copy of the information you requested.

An exemption(s) under sections 29(1)(b) and 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some the information you have requested. This is because some of the information is personal data of a third party (section 38) and other information is draft communications.

The exemption under section 38 is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

The exemption under section 29 is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in the release communications by government officials. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in officials ensuring the publication of any communications or guidance is accurate and well informed prior to release.

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.