In China and other countries affected by the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic, the use of heat guns is increasing. The goal? Take everyone's temperature in order to filter the entrance to certain establishments or certain areas.
These heat guns (or portable infrared thermometers) are widely used in China, home of the current Covid-19 epidemic. Authorities and other personnel check the temperature of citizens. In case of temperature above 37.3°C , the person is put aside and then transported directly to the hospital. This kind of measure – sometimes coupled with thermal cameras – is effective in airports and in many places supposed to welcome the public. They can even be real checkpoints at the entrance to certain residential areas!
While other countries have taken to using these heat guns, one question remains. In an article published on March 4, 2020, the Hong Kong daily South China Morning Post wonders if those multiple temperature controls are effective or not against the spread of the coronavirus.
The purpose of using this type of device is to detect fever, one of the symptoms of the disease. A small clarification is in order. These devices can take the surface temperature without touching the skin . According to the authorities, this was to avoid direct contact and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
However, some scientists believe that these heat guns are less reliable than other devices . These include electronic ear thermometers and oral thermometers. However, if the latter show better accuracy, readings take longer and increase the risk of contamination.
However, the real problem lies elsewhere. Indeed, we already know that there are asymptomatic people. In other words, these are carriers of the virus and can be contagious while showing no symptoms . However, since thermal guns and cameras measure the heat released by the body, an asymptomatic person will completely pass through the control! Several cases of patients tested positive for coronavirus after passing the test temperature have already been reported.
In addition, an infected person may still be in an incubation period . Remember that at the start of the epidemic, there was talk of an incubation period of 14 days. However, another study published in mid-February estimated that this same period could extend up to 24 days depending on the case. Nevertheless, the median incubation period is only 3 days.
In conclusion, thermal guns and cameras are effective for people with one of the symptoms of the disease:fever. However, these devices can do nothing regarding the detection of asymptomatic people and those still in the incubation period.
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