Jazmin Li
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many airports implemented temperature screening via IR cameras or handheld thermometers. However, the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned, as they do not account for asymptomatic individuals or those who have taken fever-reducing medication. While some argue that temperature checks provide an additional layer of security, others believe they are more security theater than actual security. Ultimately, the decision to implement temperature checks varies across airports and authorities, and it is essential to stay informed about the specific requirements of your departure and destination airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Will the airport take my temperature? | Many destination airports do temperature screening via IR camera or handheld thermometers. |
| Metal detectors | Metal detectors and full-body scanners at UK airports are not designed to measure or detect body temperature. |
| Effectiveness | Temperature checks do not prevent all passengers who have COVID-19 but are asymptomatic from getting on a plane. |
| Inaccuracy | Touchless, infrared thermometers are notoriously inaccurate and measure only skin surface temperature and not the body core. |
| Social distancing | Face-to-face temperature checking breaks the rule of social distancing. |
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What You'll Learn
- Metal detectors and full-body scanners cannot detect body temperature
- IR cameras and handheld thermometers are used for temperature screening
- Temperature checks do not prevent asymptomatic passengers from boarding
- Temperature checks break the cardinal rule of social distancing
- Temperature checks do not account for fever-reducing medication
Metal detectors and full-body scanners cannot detect body temperature
Many airports have implemented temperature screening via IR cameras or handheld thermometers. However, metal detectors and full-body scanners are not designed to measure or detect body temperature. They are used to detect metallic and non-metallic weapons, explosives, and narcotics.
While metal detectors and full-body scanners cannot detect body temperature, there are other technologies available that can. For example, the Garrett SmartScan system can be integrated with walk-through metal detectors to provide simultaneous temperature and metal detection. This system uses no dangerous cords or cables and does not require any floor space. It is battery-operated and features intuitive status indicators for startup, calibration, misreads, and elevated temperature alarms.
Another option for temperature detection is the Walk Through Non-Contact Dual Sensor Infrared Body Temperature Scanner, which can accurately detect human body temperature. This system also maintains a safe social distance and can be used in various industries, including manufacturing, hospitality, transport, health, and sports.
In addition to these walk-through scanners, there are also wrist and forehead temperature scanners available that use non-contact detection to avoid cross-infection. These scanners can be used independently or in conjunction with metal detection functions. It is important to note that measurements from these devices should not be solely relied upon for diagnosing or ruling out a disease, and elevated temperatures should be confirmed by qualified personnel using medical-grade equipment.
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IR cameras and handheld thermometers are used for temperature screening
Infrared thermal imaging cameras capture infrared energy emitted by objects and create an image. These cameras are highly sensitive and can detect slight temperature variations. They are valuable tools for preventative maintenance, inspections, and research. Handheld thermal cameras are lightweight and portable, making them suitable for frontline troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. Articulating thermal cameras offer pinpoint accuracy from various distances, while mounted thermal cameras provide continuous infrared data collection for research and engineering applications.
The use of IR cameras and handheld thermometers at airports aims to identify individuals with potential fevers, a common symptom of infections like COVID-19. If a person is detected with an elevated temperature, they may be taken to a medical professional for further evaluation, including a health questionnaire and a medical exam, while being isolated from other travellers. This process helps protect the health and safety of all travellers and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
While temperature screening is an additional step in the airport security process, it is important to note that metal detectors and full-body scanners at airports are not designed to measure or detect body temperature. Therefore, IR cameras and handheld thermometers are specifically employed for temperature screening purposes. These tools provide a non-invasive means of identifying individuals who may require further medical assessment before proceeding with their travels.
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Temperature checks do not prevent asymptomatic passengers from boarding
Many airlines and airports have started to implement temperature checks on passengers before boarding. This is part of a larger push to implement new health and safety policies as air travel resumes in some regions of the world that have recovered from the pandemic. While these measures aim to curb the spread of COVID-19, they are not foolproof. One of the limitations of temperature screenings is that they cannot detect asymptomatic individuals.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 25 to 50 percent of those who contract COVID-19 may be asymptomatic. These individuals do not exhibit symptoms such as fever, and as such, temperature checks may not identify them as potentially contagious. This means that despite temperature screenings, asymptomatic passengers may still board flights, potentially spreading the virus to other passengers and crew.
The ineffectiveness of temperature checks in detecting asymptomatic cases has been acknowledged by medical experts. They argue that temperature screenings may provide a false sense of security, as they cannot identify all potential carriers of the virus. Additionally, the implementation of temperature checks by airlines and airports lacks standardization, with different carriers adopting varying policies and procedures. This inconsistency can lead to confusion among passengers and challenges in coordinating responses across the industry.
Furthermore, the decision to deny boarding based on temperature checks can be complex. While airlines have the authority to bar passengers exhibiting signs of communicable diseases, the absence of a comprehensive national policy in countries like the United States leaves room for ambiguity. This could result in legal repercussions for carriers, especially if they are perceived as acting as on-the-spot medical clinics, a role they are not equipped to fulfil.
In conclusion, while temperature checks are intended to enhance safety, they are not a foolproof method for preventing asymptomatic passengers from boarding. The limitations of this screening method, coupled with the lack of standardized policies and potential legal implications, underscore the challenges in relying solely on temperature checks to curb the spread of COVID-19 in air travel. To effectively address this issue, a comprehensive approach that considers multiple layers of protection, consistent policies, and the latest medical insights is necessary.
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Temperature checks break the cardinal rule of social distancing
Many airports now conduct temperature screening via IR cameras or handheld thermometers. If a traveller is found to have a high temperature, they may be quarantined. However, temperature checks in crowded places such as airports can break the cardinal rule of social distancing.
The CDC has issued guidance on how employers and businesses can safely conduct temperature checks. The CDC recommends that employees maintain social distancing while waiting for their turn to be screened. Screening should take place before an employee enters the workplace. If the screener is using a disposable or non-contact thermometer, they need not change their gloves after each check. However, if the screener is performing a temperature check on multiple individuals with a contact thermometer, they should use a clean pair of gloves for each employee and thoroughly clean the thermometer between each check.
To ensure social distancing during screenings, employers can stagger shifts, start times, and break times to reduce the density of employees in common areas. Screening methods should incorporate protective social distancing or physical barriers to minimize the screeners' exposure. Employees could also be allowed to take their own temperature before coming into the workplace and then have it verified upon arrival. This should be coupled with a visual inspection of the employee for signs of illness, while maintaining a distance of 6 feet apart.
Some states are now requiring employers to conduct regular temperature checks on employees. For example, Colorado requires certain critical and non-critical businesses to conduct daily temperature checks and monitor employees’ symptoms. Employers with 50 or more employees at one location must implement stations for symptom screenings and temperature checks. Other states such as Indiana require all employers to implement a COVID-19 response plan, which includes implementing a health screening process for employees that may include regular temperature checks.
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Temperature checks do not account for fever-reducing medication
Many destination airports now conduct temperature screening via IR cameras or handheld thermometers. If a person's temperature is found to be high, they may be quarantined. However, temperature checks do not account for fever-reducing medication.
Fever-reducing medications, also known as antipyretics, are commonly used to lower body temperature. While these medications can provide relief from discomfort and reduce anxiety in parents, they do not normalize body temperature or prevent fever recurrences. In fact, incorrect dosing by parents can lead to increased health service usage and potential harm from overdosing. Furthermore, focusing on treating the fever may create the impression that fever is harmful and that antipyresis is beneficial, which is not supported by scientific evidence.
The decision to treat a fever should be based on ensuring the patient's comfort rather than solely on temperature readings. For example, a low-grade fever may be beneficial in helping the body fight off infection, and medication may not be necessary. Additionally, the method used to take a temperature reading can affect its accuracy. Remote thermometers, such as forehead or ear thermometers, can be accurate if used correctly, but factors like distance, sweat, and earwax can interfere with the reading.
As such, temperature checks at airports may not accurately reflect an individual's true body temperature if they have taken fever-reducing medication. The effectiveness of these screenings is further limited by the varying accuracy of different temperature-taking methods and the potential for incorrect dosing or overuse of antipyretic medications. Therefore, while temperature checks can be a useful tool, they should be complemented by other measures to ensure effective infection control.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, many destination airports now have temperature screening via IR camera or handheld thermometers.
Yes, if you are found to have a high temperature, there is a chance that you will be quarantined. Airlines are required to allow any passengers denied entry to cancel or change their flight free of charge.
Touchless, infrared thermometers are notoriously inaccurate and measure only skin surface temperature and not the body core. However, you may be pulled aside for further testing if you appear unwell.
No, not all airports have temperature screening. However, it is becoming more common, especially in high-risk areas.
