Airports And Temperature Checks: What's The Current Protocol?

Temperature checks at airports have been a common measure to control the spread of COVID-19. Airports around the world implemented temperature screening procedures to identify potentially infected passengers and protect people in crowded areas where social distancing isn't possible, such as airport lounges and airplane cabins. Temperature checks are also part of a multi-layered approach to mitigate the risk of exposure and infection, alongside measures like mandatory face coverings, sanitization, and social distancing. While the pandemic is waning, temperature scanners at airports are likely here to stay due to their low cost, rapid deployment, and ability to identify instances of fever.

Temperature scanners were used during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, infrared thermometers were used to check the temperatures of travellers passing through airports. These temperature scanners were pointed at the forehead to measure skin temperature and detect any increase in deep body temperature, which is a sign of fever, one of the leading symptoms of COVID-19.

Infrared thermometers are quick, simple, and non-invasive, allowing for the rapid screening of many people. They were used as part of a multi-layered approach to mitigate the risk of exposure and infection, alongside measures such as face coverings, intensive cleaning protocols, and social distancing.

However, temperature scanners have limitations in identifying individuals infected with COVID-19. Firstly, not everyone with COVID-19 exhibits a fever, and some may develop a fever only after they have become infectious. Additionally, forehead or skin temperature can be influenced by external factors such as the ambient temperature, physical activity, clothing, food and drink consumption, and skin conditions. These factors can lead to false positives or false negatives, impacting the effectiveness of temperature screening as a standalone measure.

Despite these limitations, temperature scanners were implemented as an additional layer of protection and to provide public confidence in the safety of air travel. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and other health agencies have acknowledged that while temperature screening may detect some COVID-19 cases, there is evidence that these measures are not wholly effective in identifying infected individuals.

Scanners are a low-friction safety technology

During the COVID-19 pandemic, airports became hotspots for potential viral transmission. Touchless check-in, plexiglass shields, back-to-front boarding, and empty middle seats all became part of the flying experience. However, one of the most notable measures implemented was temperature screening.

Temperature checks are not new to airports, having been used during previous outbreaks such as SARS, Ebola, H1N1 influenza, and dengue fever. They are seen as an effective way to identify potentially infected individuals and provide a sense of safety for other travellers.

Infrared temperature-sensing technology allowed for rapid, non-contact temperature screening at airports. Handheld devices and fixed scanning systems were utilised to ensure efficiency in identifying individuals with elevated temperatures. This method was far quicker and less resource-intensive than taking swabs and running on-site labs.

The scanners provided an extra layer of protection and public confidence, especially in areas where social distancing was challenging, such as airport lounges, cabins, and baggage handling areas. They also empowered individuals to self-screen and make informed decisions about their travel plans.

Scanners are inexpensive and rapid

Scanners are an effective and low-cost solution for checking temperatures at airports. They are a rapid and non-invasive method of screening, which can help to identify individuals with elevated temperatures, a common symptom of COVID-19.

Thermal scanners are easy to operate and can quickly scan multiple individuals, making them ideal for busy airports. They are also a safe option for the operator, as they do not require close contact with the person being scanned. This reduces the risk of viral transmission for both the operator and the individual.

The use of thermal scanners for temperature screening has been implemented by airlines and airports worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Delta and Frontier airlines adopted temperature screening for travellers, and Airlines for America (A4A) pledged to refund tickets for passengers denied boarding due to an elevated temperature.

Temperature screening with thermal scanners is a simple and efficient method to identify potentially infected individuals and can be an effective tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Scanners were used during previous pandemics

Scanners have been used during previous pandemics to monitor the spread of disease and identify potential outbreaks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, several tools and technologies were deployed to track and manage the outbreak. This included the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to detect patterns in complex datasets, enabling more accurate predictions and early warnings of potential outbreaks.

AI-driven algorithms played a crucial role in the early detection of COVID-19. BlueDot, an AI algorithm, successfully identified the outbreak 9 days before the World Health Organization (WHO) released its official statement. Additionally, researchers in Wuhan, China, developed an AI diagnostic tool that could analyse blood samples and predict survival rates for COVID-19 patients with 90% accuracy.

AI was also utilised to distinguish COVID-19 from other types of pneumonia through the analysis of chest CT scan images, aiding in early diagnosis and treatment. Deep learning models, such as COVID-Net, were designed to detect positive cases from chest X-rays, helping to accelerate treatment for those in need.

Beyond disease detection and diagnosis, AI-based camera systems were deployed in China and worldwide to scan crowds for COVID-19 symptoms and monitor people during lockdowns. Furthermore, autonomous service robots were used in Wuhan hospitals to assist healthcare workers in delivering food and medicine to patients.

The use of AI during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated its potential to complement human intelligence in managing outbreaks and pandemics. By leveraging large datasets and advanced algorithms, scanners, and AI technologies played a crucial role in early detection, monitoring, and treatment, ultimately helping to control the spread of the disease.

Scanners provide a sense of safety

Temperature scanners have been used in airports during previous pandemics, including SARS, Ebola, H1N1 influenza, and some dengue fever outbreaks. Airport managers believe that temperature scanning is an effective way to control the spread of infection and provide passengers with a sense of safety. Temperature checks are one of several public health measures recommended by the CDC amid the COVID-19 pandemic, adding an extra layer of protection for passengers, as well as airline and airport employees.

Temperature scanning technology is inexpensive, rapid, and easy to use. It does not require physical contact or cause inconvenience to passengers. The scanners can rapidly detect individuals with body temperatures over 100.4°F, which is the guideline for detecting fever set by the CDC. With handheld and fixed scanning systems, security personnel can quickly identify passengers with elevated temperatures and deny them entry to the terminal or aircraft.

Temperature scanners are also more effective than conventional self-reporting methods. Many people may not realize they are sick and infectious, even if they have a fever. By using scanners, potentially infected passengers can be identified and weeded out before they enter the airport or board an aircraft. This provides an additional layer of protection for other passengers and staff, especially in areas where social distancing is challenging, such as airport lounges, airplane cabins, and baggage handling areas.

The use of temperature scanners in airports is likely to continue even after the COVID-19 pandemic. This technology is now seen as an essential part of travel safety, providing both protection and peace of mind for passengers and employees alike.

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