More businesses turning to thermal imaging technology as Texas reopens
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As Texas businesses slowly begin to reopen, many owners are moving in the direction of thermal monitoring in the fight against COVID-19.
At Beautique Day Spa & Salon in Rice Village, no one steps past a table without a temperature check and sanitation.
"We can only do the best that we can do," said the owner. "There's no 100% of anything. Just do the best with the guidelines that we're given."
It's a preventative step owners hope will go a long way. A thermal monitoring scanner that is growing popular among business owners can detect when a person has a temperature above what is higher than it should be. It's also non-invasive.
"It's a great way to try to keep all of our employees, customers, everyone safe," said Heather Sherman with Texas Surveillance and Security.
READ MORE: Thermal imaging technology becoming popular as Texas begins to reopen
The company sells and installs thermal imaging cameras they say can scan 10 to 20 people at a time, allowing businesses to keep foot traffic flowing without a long line.
She said one of their most recent installations was at a business center near Westchase, where Sherman said its owners are seeing an industry boom. The technology is simple: an alarm goes off when a person's temperature is too high.
"It's just now, because of the urgency, people are becoming more aware of [thermal monitoring]," said Sherman. "It's become more affordable as well."
Most understand that this is just one step in stopping the spread of COVID-19, and asymptomatic people can still pose an issue.
"But it will deter the rest of that group from infecting everyone else," explained Sherman.
