Covid-19 Omicron Variant (MDHHS Data and Scientific Models)

Dear Ms. Miller,

Thank you for your interest in public records of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (hereinafter “Department”).
Records Requested: To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

1. All data, statistics, and scientific models related to the Omicron variant (sometimes referred to as B.1.1.529, GR/484A, or 21K) of the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus in your agency's possession between 11/1/2021 and the date this request is ultimately processed. Please include attachments to any emails that are part of the responsive documents for this request.

The requested documents and information will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I am willing to pay up to $25 for the requested information. If there is a fee that exceeds that amount, please notify me prior to initiating work on the request.

I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Erin Miller

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Your request has been assigned the following tracking number: H014012-122221. Your request has a legally received date of December 22, 2021. You will receive a response by the Department by January 04, 2022. Unfortunately, we are unable to expedite requests and the time permitted for response by the Department may be extended beyond January 04, 2022 by ten (10) business days.
In accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq, the Department provides copies of existing non-exempt records. Records which are exempt from disclosure under state or federal law will not be provided, or records may be redacted to separate exempt information. The FOIA does not require the Department to create new records or answer queries.
You can monitor the progress of your request at the MDHHS Public Records Center and you will receive an email when your request has been completed.
Regards,
Bureau of Legal Affairs,
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

RE: PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST , Reference # H014012-122221
Dear Ms. Erin Miller,

This notice is issued in response to your request, legally received by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (Department) on December 22, 2021, requesting information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq.

In order to determine what responsive records the Department might have, it is necessary to extend the time for response permitted by MCL 15.235 §5(2)(d) until January 19, 2022.

The Department’s FOIA policies and procedures are available at Policies and Procedures.


Sincerely,

Bureau of Legal Affairs,
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

RE: Public Records Request, Reference # H014012-122221

Dear Ms. Miller,

This notice is issued in response to your request, legally received by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (Department) on December 22, 2021, requesting information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq.

Your request is granted as to existing nonexempt records.

The Department has estimated the cost for searching, retrieval, and review of the requested records and separation of exempt and nonexempt information. The estimated cost of your FOIA request as well as the required deposit is stated in the invoice located in the MDHHS Public Records Center, where you may pay your invoice and deposit online. Upon payment of the deposit the Department will process your request. The required deposit must be received within 48 days from the date of this communication; otherwise, your request will be considered abandoned.

The Department’s best effort estimate for time to complete your request is thirty business days from the date the deposit is received. Once your FOIA request has been processed the Department will send you a final invoice, which may be more or less than the estimate. Payment must be received in full before records will be provided.

The Department’s FOIA policies and procedures are available at Policies and Procedures.

Sincerely,

Bureau of Legal Affairs