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Vermont, dig contact tracing

Caroline Haskins filed this request with the Department of Health & Human Services of Vermont.
Submitted May 6, 2020
Status
Completed

Communications

From: Caroline Haskins

Subject: Vermont Public Records Act Request: Vermont, dig contact tracing

Email


To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Vermont Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:

BACKGROUND:
Different cities, counties, and states around the country are starting to research digital contracting. Broadly, digital contact tracing is any effort to use technology or a mobile app in order to track where a person diagnosed with COVID-19 (or, symptomatic of COVID-19) goes, and who they may have come into contact with.

Usually, a mobile app will use bluetooth technology or geolocation data in order to see where a person has been. Different public health authorities around the country are researching ways to safely and digitally share their COVID-19 test results with contact tracing apps. Other apps are relying on self-reported symptoms.

Sometimes, the term “exposure notification” is used instead of “contact tracing,” and that term refers to the notification people may get if they’ve come into contact with a person diagnosed with or symptomatic of COVID-19. Other times, the term "deconfinement app" is also used instead of “contact tracing,”and that term refers to the desired end goal: flattening the curve, ending confinement/quarantine.

RECORDS REQUESTED:
Therefore, I hereby request the following records — and please limit the time frame of all requested documents from March 1, 2020 to the time that this request is processed:

* Any digital communications including but not limited to emails and text messages) as well as documents, (including but not limited to PDF, word processing, excel, and slide documents) that mention one or any of the following terms: “digital contact tracing,” “contact tracing app,” “exposure notification,” “deconfinement app,” “technology-assisted contact tracing."

* Any digital communications including but not limited to emails and text messages) with representatives from Apple and Google, whose emails will have the domains @apple.com or @google.com, respectively.

* All instructional materials, presentations and presentation materials (including recorded video and audio, PowerPoint files, prepared remarks, and slides formats), and other guidance from A) Apple and/or Google, or B) any company pitching the development of digital contact tracing tools or a contact tracing app. This includes (a) any pitch or slide deks, (b) any notes taken during meetings, and (c) any other document that has been used to help explain the meeting/briefing to any party, including internal documentation, public relations materials, and executive summaries.

* Any contracts, purchase, orders, invoices, and receipts for services related to digital contact tracing, contact tracing apps, exposure notifications, or deconfinement apps.

* A copy of any privacy impact assessments, use policies, standard operating procedures, data retention policies, legal opinions, warranties, non-disclosure agreements, contracts, liability waivers, insurance agreements, Requests for Proposals, Responses to Requests for Proposal, Memorandums of Understanding, Letters of Interest, usage policies, or informal agreements related to digital contact tracing, contact tracing apps, exposure notifications, or deconfinement apps.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public in the process of reporting for BuzzFeed News, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes. Therefore, I hereby request that all fees are waived in the processing of this request.

The requested documents 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 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 3 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Caroline Haskins

From: Department of Health & Human Services

Subject: RE: Vermont Public Records Act Request: Vermont, dig contact tracing

Email

Hello Caroline,

I would like to speak with you about this request. Can you give me a call or provide me with a number so I can call you?
Thanks,

Paul Hochanadel
Health Department Operations Administrator
Vermont Department of Health
cell (802) 585-0209
desk (802) 951-1224

From: Department of Health & Human Services

Subject: RE: Vermont Public Records Act Request: Vermont, dig contact tracing

Email

Hello Caroline,

See attached regarding your request. I would also like to speak to you as soon as you are available regarding this request.
Thanks,

Paul Hochanadel
Health Department Operations Administrator
Vermont Department of Health
cell (802) 585-0209
desk (802) 951-1224

From: Department of Health & Human Services

Subject: RE: Vermont Public Records Act Request: Vermont, dig contact tracing

Email

Hello,

Please find a letter regarding your request, attached. I will transfer 27 records via your dropbox below.

Thank you,

Paul Hochanadel
Health Department Operations Administrator
Vermont Department of Health
(802) 585-0209

From: Department of Health & Human Services

Subject: None

Web

See attached records.

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