PCR test
Dear Department of Health,
I am requesting this under the freedom of information act of 1982.
Please provide:
1. Evidence that demonstrates detectable differences between Covid variants through PCR testing - that is, how do you know what variant someone has?
2. How can the PCR test distinguish between normal flu virus and sars cov2 virus?
3. Are PCR test cycles set above the tolerance recommended by the WHO?
Yours faithfully,
Josh Marks
Good morning
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 29 August 2021 for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) being:
Documents relating to PCR testing
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 28 October 2021.
Please contact the department by 2 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
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 agree to your request to extend for another 30 days.
Yours sincerely,
Josh Marks
Dear FOI,
Thanks for keeping me posted, Do you have an estimated time to complete this request?
Yours sincerely,
Josh Marks
Dear Mr Marks
I refer to your email of 29 September 2021 to the Department of Health (department) regarding FOI 2877.
The department is actively processing your request, and a decision will be provided to you no later than 28 October 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 owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.
Dear Mr Marks,
Please find attached correspondence from Department of Health in relation
to your Freedom of Information Request.
Kind regards,
Finn
Freedom of Information Section
Legal Advice & Legislation Branch
Legal & Assurance Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health
T: 02 6289 1666 | 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.
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 of the
Department. 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."
References
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Jackson Smith left an annotation ()
Variants aren't detected by the test itself - they're detected through genome sequencing. This article might help you https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2021.... This one might assist you in regards to your question about differentiating flu and COVID in the test https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-30/c...