Kelly Osbourne has claimed that those who keep their positive Covid-19 diagnosis a secret are “serial killers”.
The TV personality, whose parents are Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, also argued that a US law granting patients total control over their medical information should not apply to coronavirus.
“I do NOT think HIPPA [sic] rules should apply for covid,” Osbourne tweeted. “It should be illegal not to tell people that you are covid positive!!!!!”
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (or HIPAA) is a federal law passed in 2003 that prohibits health care providers and businesses from disclosing health information without a patient’s permission.
The act has been placed under the microscope during the pandemic, particularly when doctors treating Donald Trump for Covid-19 declined to inform the press about the health of his lungs, citing HIPAA rules.
In a follow-up tweet, Osbourne wrote: “Remember you are only as sick as your secrets!!! As far as I’m concerned if you keep your Covid positive diagnosis a secret you’re a f***ing serial killer!!!!!”
It is unclear what prompted Osbourne’s tweets, but she revealed in early December that she mistakenly believed she had Covid-19.
On Instagram, Osbourne wrote that a chest infection set off her asthma.
“So I thought I had Covid turns out I have really bad bronchitis that’s giving me asthma yaay 2020!” Osbourne wrote.
In March, Osbourne posted an image to her Instagram showing her visiting her parents’ home but sat far away from them due to social distancing.
“Even though I did not get to hug them at this point I will take what I can get,” Osbourne wrote. “They are doing well and are safe and sound for now.”
