Thermal imaging has been used for front line defence in infection control in use since the SARS outbreak in 2004 to rapidly screen and detect people with signs of elevated body temperature. There are three main technologies – FLIR imagers, Spot IR and Thermal Imaging Cameras.
Thermal Imaging Cameras have two key advantages over the other technologies.
- On-board logic processing on board to provide an immediate response such as an audible warning tone or control signal to an access control device like a door or barrier.
- Network-ability to allow cameras to be monitored over a wide area from a central control position as a primary or backup function.
Thermal cameras are discrete, efficient and effective tools to help slow or stop the spread of viruses.