CCTV cameras that 'detect body temperature' being considered amid coronavirus fears in Sheffield

As the number of cases and deaths from the new coronavirus increases across the world, and Government plans reveal how an epidemic could affect British people’s lives in a worst-case scenario, employers are facing the challenge of how to cope if staff come down with Covid-19.
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Now it has been reported that CCTV cameras with built-in temperature sensors are being offered to firms with large office complexes or factories.

The ‘smart fever’ devices – which are being promoted by a firm called PROTECSYS – relay data back to the building’s security guards to help isolate those developing a fever, a key symptom of the novel coronavirus.

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On Tuesday the Government warned that up to a fifth of the UK workforce could be off sick at once if the illness spreads widely.

Jonathan Ratcliffe, from workspace provider Offices.co.uk, said: “Building managers are facing a nightmare. One person could potentially infect hundreds meaning the building would have to close for weeks – there is going to be big money being thrown at this issue.”

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The worry, Jonathan’s company says, is that a ‘rogue carrier’ could infect hundreds or thousands of people. Security guards would be trained to use the CCTV to detect, divert and isolate those feared to be carrying the disease.

Cameras can be installed in a building’s reception or entrance area, and use special software to record a person’s body temperature.

'Smart fever' CCTV is being marketed.'Smart fever' CCTV is being marketed.
'Smart fever' CCTV is being marketed.
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They handle two people walking at the same time, and data is relayed to a central computer or shown on a screen.

Security or health personnel would isolate individuals for further tests before they enter the main building.

“Automating the detection process to keep those with signs of the virus is the best form of defence to protect against large offices being shut down completely. We will definitely see this technology used in large banks and financial institutions in the City," Jonathan said.

A new Government publicity campaign seeks to drive home the message that regular hand-washing is the single most important action people can take in the fight against Covid-19.