Whether you’re planning on installing a thermal imaging fever detection system or want to know how you can protect your staff and customers, cutting through misinformation is crucial.
Here are five common myths about COVID-19 detection that should be dispelled:
1. A negative test means you currently don’t have the virus
This is false. All a negative test means is that you didn’t have the virus at the time you got tested. Any exposure you may have had to the virus after your test could mean that you’re now infected, so it’s important to continue wearing a mask to practice social distancing.
2. All COVID-19 tests are the same
They are not. The PCR test, which is almost perfectly accurate, can detect very small traces of the virus and takes at least a few days to complete once the sample is collected. The viral antigen test, on the other hand, is much cheaper and quicker but it can only detect the virus if there’s a large quantity of it in your system, meaning it can return a negative test even if you’re sick, which happens between 20 and 30 per cent of the time.
3. You should get tested immediately after being exposed
If you aren’t experiencing symptoms, you should actually wait a few days after possible exposure before you get tested. This is because the virus may not be detectable early on. However, if you have symptoms, you should get tested as soon as possible.
4. There’s no need to get tested if you don’t have symptoms
Many people don’t experience symptoms, or experience symptoms that are so mild they don’t realize they may have become infected with COVID-19. Knowing whether you’re carrying the virus is important, as assuming you don’t could expose vulnerable people to infection. In addition, testing is very important because it provides public health officials with crucial information.
5. Thermal imaging cameras can detect COVID-19
Thermal imaging cannot detect COVID-19 infections directly, but it can detect fever, which is a symptom of COVID-19 infection. This is crucial to screening people for possible COVID-19 infections, especially in places like airports and commercial areas. However, thermal imaging remains only part of a comprehensive detection strategy.
Thermal imaging cameras in Calgary and Lethbridge
Guardian Security Solutions provides a wide range of commercial surveillance and security equipment. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about thermal imaging for fever detection and how we can help you integrate the technology into your existing security system.