A new hi-tech temperature screening system to detect Covid-19 symptoms has been installed at the Port of Poole.

Temperature monitoring expert Ametek Land has partnered with Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) which operates the port.

It has fitted the Viralert 3 non-contact human body temperature screening system as part of increased protection against the spread of the virus.

A raised temperature is one of three main symptoms of Covid-19.

By screening temperatures of every passenger, visitor and employee passing through the terminal, the risk of allowing someone who is infected onto a passenger ferry or cargo ship is reduced.

Ametek Land say Viralert 3 is the first of its kind, providing a camera, thermal imager and a temperature-controlled reference source on a single platform.

Using automatic face detection, the system ensures a valid reading, and provides a measurement that’s accurate to within 0.5^oC/0.9^oF.

It then calculates core body temperatures through a rapid test procedure that lasts less than two seconds.

The system will operate alongside existing strict procedures at the port.

They include hand washing facilities, the use of facial coverings and social distancing measures as well as sanitiser stations and greater seating space.

Passengers and employees are screened as they move through the departure lounge and into the restricted area before boarding.

Dave Laut, Safety and Security Manager, Port of Poole, pictured left, said: “This system has provided us with an added level of security screening and we hope it will provide passengers and staff with that extra confidence in travel.

“It is easy to set up and use, and provides almost instant results so there isn’t any extra queuing or additional delays in the departure lounge.”

Developed over 18 years, the Viralert 3 provides real-time infrared thermal imaging from a safe social distance.

Audible and visual alarms are set off when high temperatures are discovered.

Chris Leonard, Global Lead, Viralert, said: “The Viralert 3 system is perfect for this kind of installation where there is a high level of traffic with people transiting through the port.

“It provides an effective solution for scanning people entering the departure lounge, reducing the risk of anyone carrying an infection onto the ships and into other countries, while protecting fellow passengers at the same time.”

Ametek Land has been developing high-accuracy infrared measurement instruments since 1947.

Human body temperature screening systems have been created by the company since 2002, initially in response to the SARS outbreak.