The Department of Health (DOH) warns the public that they could be detained and fined from P500,000 to P2 million if they are found to be involved in the unauthorized disclosure of the names of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The DOH warning also follows reports with a list of COVID-19-positive patients circulating online. According to the DOH, our compatriots who have been affected by COVID-19 are already undergoing a severe test, so they should not increase their burden. The DOH also reiterated that COVID-19 is not a death penalty because there is a high chance that its victims will recover from the illness immediately. The DOH added that fear is even more dangerous compared to COVID-19. “We call on the public to refrain from these lists around social media. This is illegal and perpetuates the stigma around COVID-19, ”the DOH said in a statement. “Our compatriots are already going through enough as it is. Let us not exacerbate their situations… COVID-19 is not a death sentence and fear is more dangerous than the disease, ”the DOH added. In this regard, the DOH also reminded public health authorities to ensure that the personal information of patients, as provided under Republic Act 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. The joint memorandum issued by the DOH and the National Privacy Commission stated that only concerned health-care providers, public health authorities, and their authorized personnel are allowed to access the personal details of COVID-19 cases. The DOH further warns that unauthorized access and illegal disclosure of a COVID-19 patient's personal information is punishable under Republic Act 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012