DOH: Patient info for contact-tracing only

The DOH clarified on Tuesday that personal information of COVID-19 patients will not be publicized and will only be used for contact tracing by government agencies.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said patient details such as travel history and close contacts will be used solely for contact tracing.

Lawmakers from the House of Representatives backed the IATF's decision to make disclosure of personal information mandatory, but emphasized that identities must remain confidential.

The IATF urged authorities to comply with the Data Privacy Act when handling records of patients infected with COVID-19.

Patients who refuse to disclose accurate information will be penalized under Republic Act 11332, which mandates reporting of notifiable diseases.