Proof the isolation of SARS COV-2
Dear Department of Health,
I would like to request the following documentation to be provided to me according to Freedom of information request under the 1982 Freedom of Information Act.
1. Documentation proving isolation of the SARS-COV-2 virus, and all new SARS COV-2 strains which is
confirmed by means of purified viral samples being imaged with an electron
microscope.
2. Documentation where the isolated SARS COV-2 virus sample and new strains mentioned in
point (1) are exposed to healthy humans or animals and shown to cause the disease
COVID-19.
Any and all documentation you are able to provide me would be greatly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
Tiffney French
Good evening
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST – NOTIFICATION OF RECEIPT AND REQUEST FOR AN EXTENSION OF TIME
I am writing to notify you that the Department of Health (department) received your request on 7 September 2021 for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) being:
1. Documentation proving isolation of the SARS-COV-2 virus, and all new SARS COV-2 strains which is confirmed by means of purified viral samples being imaged with an electron microscope.
2. Documentation where the isolated SARS COV-2 virus sample and new strains mentioned in point (1) are exposed to healthy humans or animals and shown to cause the disease COVID-19.
The statutory timeframe for processing your request is 30 calendar days within which a decision on access to the requested documents is to be notified. The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing access to the documents. If this request attracts a charge you will be notified in writing.
Unless you advise otherwise, draft and duplicate documents, along with Commonwealth employee names and contact details below Senior Executive Service level and mobile telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.
Request for extension of time
As a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the department is dealing with a very high volume of FOI requests. To ensure the department can process your request in accordance with the requirements of the FOI Act, including locating and providing access to all relevant documents, the department would be grateful if you would agree to an extension of 30 calendar days for processing your request. If you agree, the department will endeavour to provide a decision to you by 6 November 2021.
Please contact the department by 9 September 2021 with your decision to the 30 day extension of processing time.
You can contact the FOI Unit via email at [email address], should you have any questions.
Kind regards
Judy
Team Leader - Freedom of Information
Legal Advice & Legislation Branch
Legal and Assurance Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health
GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all Elders past and present.
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or legally privileged information. Please consult with Legal Division before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and contact the sender immediately
Dear FOI,
I shall grant your extension of 30 calendar days to get the documents I've requested and you shall not charge a fee for the FOI in agreement of the extension. This is a freedom of information for the public this is to be freely accessed by all not be imposing fees.
Yours sincerely,
Tiffney Michelle
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your response and agreement to the extension of time.
We can confirm that charges have not applied to FOI requests that have had similar scopes to the one you have submitted. However, if that is not the case we would definitely be in touch.
Once again thank you for your extension agreement. The department will endeavour to provide a decision to you by 6 November 2021.
Kind regards
FOI
FOI Unit – FOI and Legislation Support Section
Legal & Assurance Division | Corporate Operations Group
Legal Advice & Legislation Branch
Australian Government Department of Health
E: [email address]
GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all Elders past and present.
If you receive this email in error, please delete it and contact the sender immediately.
Dear Ms French,
Please find attached correspondence from the Department of Health in
relation to your Freedom of Information Request.
Kind regards
FOI
FOI Unit – FOI and Legislation Support Section
Legal & Assurance Division | Corporate Operations Group
Legal Advice & Legislation Branch
Australian Government Department of Health
E: [1][email address]
GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.
If you receive this email in error, please delete it and contact the
sender immediately.
"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."
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