Freedom of Information request about results/details of the identification and isolation of the Covid19 virus (FOI-21-292)
Published 28 May 2021
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/freedom-of-information-responses-from-the-mhra-week-commencing-19-april/freedom-of-information-request-about-resultsdetails-of-the-identification-and-isolation-of-the-covid19-virus-foi-21-292
Thank you for your email.
Please find below answers to the questions you have raised below.
“1. Results/details of the identification and isolation of the Covid19 virus including any alleged variants , subject to the Kochs or the Rivers postulates, which have been carried out by a competent, authorised laboratory
MHRA holds no information on the isolation of the Covid-19 virus. We suggest that you consult the SAGE website, which includes information supporting the governments decision making on the Covid-19 pandemic, including information on the isolation of the Covid-19 virus. There is also information in the public domain, such as peer-reviewed journals.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/scientific-advisory-group-for-emergencies
- Records with specific details of how a Polymarase Chain Reaction kit (PCR) identifies the presence of a virus in any given sample.”
MHRA holds no records specifically to this question however this information about the principle of virus identification by PCR is in the public domain in a number of papers.
If you disagree with how we have interpreted the Freedom of Information Act 2000 with regards to your request, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed. The review will be carried out by a senior member of the Agency who was not involved with the original decision.
If you have a query about the information provided, please reply to this email
If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date you receive this response and addressed to: info@mhra.gov.uk
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, we are not able to accept delivery of any documents or correspondence by post or courier to any of our offices
Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.
If you were to remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you would have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Please bear in mind that the Information Commissioner will not normally review our handling of your request unless you have first contacted us to conduct an internal review. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Yours sincerely
MHRA Customer Service Centre
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU