Patients’ privacy to take back seat in Covid-19 fight

The government has required the public disclosure of personal information of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a virtual briefing, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) approved the policy last Wednesday to boost the government’s Covid-19 contact-tracing efforts.

Nograles said the Office of Civil Defense would lead the contact-tracing programme using data provided by the Department of Health (DoH).

The Palace official also made it clear that there was no government directive to suppress information on Covid-19 deaths.

He said allegations that the DoH issued a directive to hospitals were not true.

“Our efforts to contain the Covid-19 outbreak must be complemented by our efforts to contain misinformation, disinformation, especially when it concerns news involving our health, about possible remedies for the diseases and similar unsubstantiated claims,” he said.

“What is clear in the past weeks, based on the experience of other countries and even in our experience, is social or physical distancing works. Staying home saves lives. Washing your hands can save lives. Your cooperation is crucial in our efforts to save lives,” Nograles said.

He emphasised that government officials regularly appear in the media to give updates on the different actions being taken in response to the pandemic.

“We recognise that it is our responsibility to give you the facts, all the facts, and nothing but the facts. You deserve nothing less,” Nograles said. He also warned against sharing fake news or rumours circulating on social media.

“Our efforts to contain the Covid-19 must be complemented by our efforts to contain misinformation and disinformation,” he said.

Under the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act (Republic Act 11469), fake news purveyors face imprisonment of two months or a fine ranging from P10,000 to P1mn.

Nograles, meanwhile, reminded funeral homes to cremate the remains of Covid patients within 12 hours from the time of death as stipulated under IATF-EID funeral guidelines.

He also urged funeral homes to start the process of cremation without waiting for payments.

“Do not wait for payment. If there is a need to cremate, cremate them and let’s not wait for someone to pay for the expenses. We will find a solution for payments,” he said.

On March 25, Nograles announced that a P25,000“funeral support fund” will be given to indigents who died from Covid-19. He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would pay the funeral expenses of indigents who were confirmed, suspect or probable Covid-19 cases.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano said local government units (LGUs) should assign funeral service facilities that can cremate the remains within 12 hours from the time of death.

If the deceased is a nonChristian, the remains should be placed in an airtight, sealed bag or container and buried in the nearest cemetery within 12 hours while observing religious rites, Ano said. Nograles said LGUs would also provide “possible financial assistance to cover the logistics, fuel, salary, and other expenses that will be incurred in the process.”

The Department of the Interior and Local Government and LGUs will penalise funeral homes that refuse to provide logistics and transport the remains of Covid patients.