If you’ve tested positive for the coronavirus in Memphis, then you have already given up your rights to privacy, according to local law enforcement.
WMC Action News 5 said that local agencies can sign a Memorandum of Understanding and receive names and addresses of coronavirus-positive people. They claim it’s to protect first responders when they visit homes.CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MIGHTY 990 FACEBOOK PAGE
HIPAA laws don’t protect citizens from this intrusion, either. According to HIPAA, information can be used if deemed necessary by the government. In the case of a global pandemic, this reasoning is being used to obtain private information.
“Will these same folks then have to wear a ‘C’ on them to identify them in public? Will they have to yell ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ as well?” one responder on the Mighty 990 Facebook page said of officers with the records.
Robin Walensky spoke with Sherrie and Chett Hopper during “Wake Up Memphis” on KWAM The Mighty 990. The Hoppers also host “The Real Resistance” on Saturdays from 1:00-2:00 p.m.“I don’t trust them with it,” Sherrie Hopper said about handing over her information to the local authorities. “This is the worst kept secret ever. If you’re letting all these people know your health information, it’s getting out.”
Sherrie Hopper also noted that this might keep people from getting the test that need it due to fear of their information being leaked.
Some say that first responders need more protective equipment, while others say they have enough and need to tap into the state’s resources.“Here recently, I haven’t heard of anything being short,” Chett Hopper said.
When it comes to first responders being cautious, some argue that people take risks every day when they go out to buy necessities.
“You just treat everybody like they have [the coronavirus],” Chett Hopper said.
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WMC reporter: “What if the country is reopened and more people die? Is that what you want?”
