Temperature Sensors - The Facts
Temperature screening has been brought in to assess passengers entering airports in the hope of reducing transmission.
However, it has low sensitivity and specificity for COVID and should not be relied on to identify or exclude infection.
But, it can add reassurance when combined with other testing strategies, and can deter people from coming to work or attempting to travel when unwell. It’s easy to do, and using no-touch temperature sensors on an individual or mass-screening level, it adds no harm.
It may also provide an element of general health screening which is valuable anyway.
Data and consent protocols must be applied where appropriate, as well as considering how to manage someone who is found to have a raised temperature.
Other important considerations
It is important to remember to observe social distancing, mask-wearing, hand hygiene and other recommended measures and temperature screening should not change that standard practice.
