Printed from https://fyi.org.nz/request/27270-tony-blakely-and-infextion-fatality-rates-of-diseases-in-the-enquiry-he-chairs on June 30, 2024 02:44

Tony Blakely and Infextion Fatality Rates of Diseases in the enquiry he chairs

Erika Whittome made this Official Information request to Department of Internal Affairs

The request was refused by Department of Internal Affairs.

From: Erika Whittome

Dear Department of Internal Affairs,
The Covid 19 enquiry sent out communications on 14 June 2024 regarding two dieseases: Covid 19 and Bird Flu as follows:

“The role of communications and engagement to support health outcomes during the pandemic is a key focus of the work of the Inquiry.

You may also have seen recent news reports about the spread of H5N1 bird flu into mammals.
Humans can and do catch H5N1, with about 900 reported cases of this type of bird flu (and nearly 500 deaths) since 2003. Nearly all known cases have been transmitted straight from birds to humans, which is why there have been so few cases – fortunately, human-to-human spread of H5N1 is incredibly rare and to our knowledge only occurs with intense close contact (e.g. caring for a severely unwell patient). Airborne human-to-human transmission in a manner similar to COVID-19 or seasonal influenza has not been documented. However, we have recently seen a rise in cases in other mammals, and we have also seen mammals, particularly cows, spreading it to each other. The world is alert to the risk that H5N1 may mutate to a variant capable of human-to-human airborne transmission.
The other risk in Aotearoa is, of course, to our native birds. H5N1 has caused the death of hundreds of millions of birds worldwide, and so poses a real risk to our native wildlife.
There hasn’t been a recorded case of H5N1 in Aotearoa, and we do have protocols and plans in place to monitor this disease.
This recent development is a timely reminder that the threat of a future pandemic is real. It is not a matter of “if” but “when” the next pandemic occurs. “

Would you kindly share the infection fatality rate in humans for
1 Covid 19 and
2 Bird Flu?

These are the diseases which Mr Blakely is focusing on in his enquiry email that funded under your ministry, so I assume you will have this information within your ministry or at least Mr Blakely should be able to share this information under your watch.

Yours faithfully,

Erika Whittome

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From: OIA
Department of Internal Affairs

Tçnâ koe Erika

Thank you for your OIA request to the Department of Internal Affairs (included with this email). You have contacted the incorrect agency.

As the information you have requested is not held by the Department of Internal Affairs, but is believed to be held by, and more closely related to the functions of Te Whatu Ora Health NZ, we are transferring your request to that agency for response, in accordance with section 14(b) of the Official Information Act 1982.

You can expect to hear from the receiving agency shortly in regard to your request. If you would like to contact them directly, you are able to email them at [email address]

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision to transfer. Information about how to make a complaint is available at http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/ or Freephone 0800 802 602.

Nâku, nâ

Michelle Reed (she/her)
Lead Advisor Official Correspondence | Information Management and Privacy
He Ringa Manaaki | Workplace Services Group
He Pou Aronui | Organisational Capability and Services
Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs
Level 3, 45 Pipitea St | PO Box 805, Wellington 6140, New Zealand | http://www.dia.govt.nz/

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From: hnzOIA

Tēnā koe, 

 

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From: Erika Whittome

Dear DIA
The Enquiry is under the DIA. Please DIA would you answer this question in your capacity.

Yours sincerely,

Erika Whittome

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From: hnzOIA

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Attachment HNZ00053142 Response 20 06 2024.pdf
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Kia ora Erika,
 
Thank you for your request for information. Please find attached our
response to your request.
 
If you have any questions, please get in touch
at [1][email address].
 
If you are not happy with this response, you have the right to make a
complaint to the Ombudsman. Information about how to do this is available
at [2]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or by phoning 0800 802 602.
 
Ngā mihi

Kathleen 
Government Services
[3][email address]   

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Statement of confidentiality: This email message and any accompanying
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legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, do not read, use,
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From: Erika Whittome

Dear hnzOIA,

Thank you for your letter. However there is no infection fatality rate supplied on the URL you have shared, just the current case numbers and deaths of covid-19. Would you please supply the requested information?

Yours sincerely,

Erika Whittome

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From: hnzOIA

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81K Download

Good morning, Erika
 
Thank you for your email below.
 
We have referred you to data on COVID-19 related deaths.
 
However, the infection fatality risk (IFR), that is the proportion of
individuals who die among those who have been infected with COVID-19 (not
just diagnosed/reported), is not available in New Zealand and we are
therefore declining to provide this pursuant to s18(g) of the Act as we do
not hold this information.
 
For further information on this, we refer you to the University of
Auckland:
[1]www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2020/09/23/getting-real-about-covid-fatalities.html.
 
We apologise for any confusion.
 
 Ngā mihi

Kathleen 
Government Services
[2][email address]   

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
 
 
 
------------------- Original Message

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From: Erika Whittome

Dear Kathleen,
I have lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman because you have not supplied the requested information.

Yours sincerely,

Erika Whittome

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From: Erika Whittome

Dear Kathleen,
I have lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman because you have not supplied the requested information.

Yours sincerely,

Erika Whittome

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