When can you disclose information about someone who may be infected with COVID-19? These frequently asked questions can help you navigate privacy considerations where there may be a risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Does an event organiser have to give attendee information to the health authorities if asked when there’s a notifiable disease case?

Yes. The Health Act says a medical officer of health may direct individuals and agencies to disclose information about individuals who pose a public health risk. The medical officers of health are statutory officers who have a key role in managing outbreaks of infectious diseases. One of their powers under the Health Act is to be able to compel the disclosure of personal information in order to carry out this role. Identifying individuals who have attended the same event as an infected individual is an important step in trying to contain an outbreak. You can read the relevant section in the Health Act here. 

Do I tell the other people who attended an event where there’s been a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case?

The right thing to do is to give attendee contact information to the health authorities. The health authorities will decide whether the seriousness warrants informing other attendees to the event that they may have been in contact with an infected person and whether they should take steps to quarantine themselves or seek medical assistance.

Can I tell someone about a person whom I believe has the COVID-19 virus?

If you haven’t had a request from a medical officer of health, there may be an exception under the Privacy Act to enable you to tell a medical officer. Personal information can be used or disclosed where you believe that the use or disclosure is necessary in order to prevent or lessen a serious threat to public health or safety.

Image credit: Coronavirus cell via the Pacific Community

Covid-19, IPP11 - disclosure