THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday warned the public and national and local authorities versus the unauthorized release of the names of individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In a statement, the DOH reminded everyone that under the Data Privacy Act, it is illegal for anybody to release personal information of COVID-19 patients, regardless of their statuses.
“All entities and individuals with access to the personal health information shall be bound by legal duty to protect the personal health information pursuant to these guidelines,” said the DOH.
The agency’s call was not only directed at private individuals but also at national and local officials who have access to the information.
“We would like to ask for the cooperation of DOH partner agencies, including the local government units, that as part of their mandate to comply with the DOH COVID-19 guidelines on data privacy and protection, they are responsible for protecting and preserving the identities of COVID-19 cases and identified close contacts, and their families so that this does not result in undue discrimination, of physical and emotional harm or distress,” said the DOH.
The health department likewise appealed to the general public to refrain from turning such lists of COVID-19 patients into a viral post as it will only worsen the conditions of those afflicted with the novel virus.
“We call on the public to refrain from sharing these lists around social media. This is illegal and perpetuates the stigma around COVID-19. Our kababayans are already going through enough as it is. Let us not exacerbate their situations,” said the DOH.
The warning comes after the DOH received reports of lists containing the names of COVID-19 positive patients being released publicly and being shared around social media.
Earlier, the DOH and the National Privacy Commission released Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 2020-0002 entitled “Privacy Guidelines on the Processing and Disclosure of COVID-19 Related Data for Disease Surveillance and Response,” which provides specific instructions on the application of data protection and privacy principles in the collection, processing, and disclosure of COVID-19-related data.
Under the JMC, only concerned healthcare providers, public health authorities, and DOH partner agencies and their authorized personnel shall be allowed to access the personal health information of the COVID-19 cases and/or identified close contacts.
Any privacy violation or personal data breach or security incident, the DOH noted, shall be penalized in accordance with Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
As of August 29, the Philippines has a total of 213,131 confirmed COVID-19 patients.
Likewise, Vergeire said the DOH has yet to establish any long term effects of COVID-19.
“We still do not have enough evidence, although there have been articles internationally that are coming out saying those that recovered from COVID-19 are experiencing long lasting symptoms,” said Vergeire.
Vergeire said the DOH has so far gotten anecdotal reports showing that most patients have been experiencing frequent headaches, are easily fatigued, and lack their usual strength.
Overseas, international medical experts said they are seeing long term effects, such as fatigue, headaches, vertigo, difficulties with cognition, hair loss, cardiac issues, and diminished cardio-respiratory fitness, among COVID-19 survivors.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Calabarzon (Region IV-A) during the weekend announced it is tapping a Quick Response (QR) code system to enhance its contact tracing efforts for COVID-19 cases.
In a statement, DOLE Region IV-A director Henry John Jalbuena said they have developed an online health checklist that will screen all visitors and employees of their offices at the Andenson Building II in Parian, Calamba City, Laguna.
“It is only for one purpose: to help in contact tracing. It aims to assist public health authorities to find those persons who are at risk more quickly, thus helping them to get early diagnosis and treatment and to ensure that everyone is protected at all times,” said Jalbuena.
Through the QR code system, DOLE – Calabarzon can take body temperature, write down contact details, and allow quick tracing of visitors and employees.
All employees and clients of DOLE IV-A are required to scan the QR code posted at the office entrance by using their mobile phones or tablets. Users will be required to provide their contact information and answer a quick health symptoms questionnaire, which will be evaluated by the safety officers on duty.
The system enables the DOLE – Calabarzon to keep track of the employees and visitors via a digital log and allow for quick contact tracing by health authorities if one of them tests positive for COVID-19.
“These online services aim to respond to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic by developing new systems, innovating ways to communicate, and in bringing fresh approaches in providing better client experience while observing health and safety protocols,” said Jalbuena.
DOH data shows that there are a total of 31,803 COVID-19 cases in Calabarzon, as of August 29.