Internal communication relating to second wave of Covid-19: FOI release

Information requested

1) Any internal documents, briefing notes or reports circulated to the First Minister or Health Secretary or detailing plans or contingencies for a potential second wave of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) between the date of July 15 and August 31, 2020.

2) The request should cover any documents or reports received from Public Health Scotland, NHS health boards, NHS Scotland or local authorities about how they are planning for a second wave.

Response

Attached is a copy of most of the information requested.

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA (personal information) applies to some information which has been redacted from the enclosed document. This exemption applies because the information is personal data of a third party, i.e. names of individuals, and disclosing it would contravene the data protection principles in Article 5(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation and in section 34(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018. This exemption 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.

An exemption under 30(b)(ii) (free and frank exchange of views) applies to some information which has been redacted from the enclosed document. This exemption 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.

Due to the size of the files we are unable to upload the documents referred to above. If you wish to consider, please contact us at the address below and we will be happy to provide.

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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.