A bill aimed at lifting restrictions that prevent the Pennsylvania Department of Health from publicizing relevant data and details concerning the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is about to be introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate.

Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin, said he intends for the legislation—which would update Pennsylvania's Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955—to enhance transparency that he said has been lacking in Pennsylvania.

"Currently, the law allows the Health Department to keep records and reports of contagious diseases strictly confidential," Mastriano said. "Unfortunately, the Health Department has been using this outdated law to withhold life-saving information during the ongoing pandemic. This change to the 1955 law only impacts information related to a pandemic."

Mastriano circulated a co-sponsorship memo to Senate members March 25.

During the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, state health officials were not providing the public with the total number of samples tested or the number of people quarantined after possible exposure, according to a statement from Mastriano's office. The lack of information-sharing potentially exacerbated the crisis, he said.

"It is disheartening that neighboring states have been more transparent about potential cases," Mastriano added.

The state Senate commissioned a report on the Disease Prevention and Control Law in 2013, and several recommendations were suggested to lawmakers. Mastriano is seeking action on those recommendations.