Equipment will allow cruise and ferry operators to screen guests before they board ships to prevent the spread of infection
By
Rebecca Gibson |
p>Portsmouth International Port has installed a thermal temperature scanner to enable cruise and ferry operators to screen passengers before they board ships to prevent the spread of infection.
The port is believed to be the first in the UK to install the temperature screening technology, which uses a camera to detect raised temperatures with a +/- 0.2 degrees accuracy rate. If a passenger registers a high temperature, they will be screened a second time and the ship’s medical team would assess whether they are safe to board.
Initially, the temperature scanner will be trialled with foot passengers. If it is successful, the port will explore options for installing it elsewhere.
"We want to make sure we're in the best position to welcome back passengers in a managed, safe and sensible way,” said Mike Sellers, director of Portsmouth International Port. “Being able to help support our ferry and cruise lines by providing solutions for potential health protocols, should operators choose to use it for their customers, means we're ready to go once travel restrictions are eased."
Portsmouth International Port is also implementing several other protocols to ensure the health and safety of its staff and visitors once it reopens to passengers. They include social distancing measures, appropriate full-face personal protective equipment for customer-facing staff, and clinical-level hand sanitation products on door handles and cleaning stations.
"We're working with our partners in Border Force, Condor Ferries, Brittany Ferries, and also listening to our cruise customers about what needs to be in place when travel restrictions are eased,” said Sellers. “Even if overseas travel is delayed, UK based cruise itineraries will still be popular as the public look to find a way to have a break locally. As a port suited to small- and medium-sized, boutique sailing ships, we're in an ideal position to manage a phased return to sailing, especially with the draw of our city's attractions.”