Companies and supermarkets have begun examining employee and customer temperatures for potential Covid 19 cases since March, and this practice has been adopted as part of a pandemic preparedness. As more countries ease restrictions, checking for a fever can be difficult. Experts wonder if this is an effective way to stop the spread of Corona?

Are the tests reliable?

The chief medical officer at Memorial Care in Fountain Valley, California, Dr. James Lew, says that digital oral thermometers are the most accurate, although they are not designed to examine large numbers of people, followed by ear-measuring instruments; They can be prone to error, especially if the ear canal is clogged with wax.

According to Dr. Liu, the infrared thermometers (on the forehead) have less accuracy, while the infrared thermal cameras used in the intensity scan show variable accuracy.

For her part, Testa Ghosh, the epidemiologist and medical director of "Grand Rounds" said that the checks that are carried out offline or self-made, provide more safety; explaining that it reduces contact between people, as some employers may choose to do Employees pre-measure their temperatures, before coming to work, while others may choose to inspect at the job site.

The expert explained that the infrared thermometer can be accurate, depending on the manufacturer, and does not require the intervention of anyone to supervise it, and temperature data may be sent directly to the manager. These models are usually more expensive than a hand-held thermometer or a thermal scanner.

Do coronary virus checks stop?

If people who turn out to be too hot choose self-isolation and consult a doctor, this may help prevent coronavirus transmission. However, the thermometer does not detect all types of fever associated with "Covid 19", and it is not possible to identify people with Coronavirus.
A large number of people who are infected with the new virus, do not develop a fever. In addition, the frequent use of antipyretic drugs may mask possible virus-associated fever.
Collective temperature checks may also create a false sense of safety. Experts say that these tests are not reliable for the examination of "Covid 19", if it is relied upon alone. "In fact, we now know that many people who are infected with the virus do not have any noticeable symptoms at all, or it happens too late, and during that time they can pass the infection on to others," Liu said.
He explained that 37.8 ° C is generally used to monitor fever related to "Covid 19".

What is the role of companies and individuals?

For companies, experts say, checking for a fever in workers and employees should be part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent Covid 19 transmission, as well as reduce personal interaction. "It is important that people keep a distance of at least 6 feet as possible, and to help people do this, employers must use visual signs to clarify the distance," said Ghosh.

In addition, individuals play a key role in reducing coronavirus transmission. Liu says: “Comprehensive control of the source of the disease means that everyone wears a face cover when they are outside, and this also means that careful attention continues to wash hands, and avoid touching the face or head before washing hands, while maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet ".

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