MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) are calling for “mutual trust” between the government and COVID-19 patients by assuring the latter the protection of their privacy while urging them to disclose their personal data to authorities honestly. ADVERTISEMENT“The DOH and NPC stand firm against any form of unbridled disclosure of patients’ personal data to the public that has been proven to cause a real risk of severe harm to patients,” they added. The DOH only discloses data to public health authorities and concerned public healthcare providers for contact tracing and management of the disease, according to the two government agencies. “In these instances, public health authorities, concerned healthcare providers, and other government agencies who are custodians of patients’ personal data have the legal obligation to protect the data privacy rights of these patients and ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their personal data,” the statement read. The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) earlier this month likewise required COVID-19 patients to disclose personal information to enhance contact-tracing efforts.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 30, 2020 06:45 UTC