The Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) and the Office of the Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC) acknowledge the unprecedented challenges that organisations are facing due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

There is a clear and urgent need to collect, use, and share information to manage the spread of COVID-19. As organisations are likely adapting the way they handle information to deal with the current situation, it is crucial for organisations to understand their privacy obligations. It is important to note that Victoria’s privacy legislation does not prevent information from being used or shared in critical situations such as this.

This guidance is intended to help Victorian public sector organisations and health providers (both public and private sector) that handle health information understand their privacy obligations while dealing with COVID-19.

Learn more about your organisation’s privacy obligations during COVID-19.