COVID + Open Records Request Denials.

Where: IOWA

What records are being withheld due to COVID?

• information concerning state preparedness and response to the novel coronavirus
  • including daily reports regarding the state’s response to the virus and COVID-19
  • including a copy of a pandemic emergency response plan the Iowa Department of Public Health which was created 10 years ago
  • information about businesses that have sought COVID-19 testing from the state

What exception to disclosure is the state government offering? “physical infrastructure, cyber security, critical infrastructure, security procedures or emergency preparedness” can be denied if “disclosure could reasonably be expected to jeopardize such life or property.”

Have other states released their pandemic response plans? Yes

•  Oregon pandemic influenza plan available on a state website
• A Kentucky school district shared its pandemic response plan

Have other states denied release of COVID related records? Yes

• Pennsylvania Governor delayed information about how his administration decided which businesses would close
• Florida Governor unwilling or unable to provide crucial information about its coronavirus response

Des Moines Register | Iowa is denying the public access to some records of its COVID-19 response; ‘When you lose transparency, you lose trust,’ one advocate said