In countries worldwide, including China—the initial epicenter of COVID-19—non-contact infrared thermometers, often called heat guns, have become essential screening tools. Their goal: measure body temperature to control access to public spaces, airports, and even residential areas.
Widely deployed in China during the outbreak, these portable devices allow authorities to scan citizens quickly. Anyone registering above 37.3°C is isolated and transported to a hospital. Combined with thermal cameras, they form effective barriers at airports, public venues, and neighborhood entrances.
As other nations adopt these measures, efficacy comes under scrutiny. A March 4, 2020, South China Morning Post article questioned whether repeated temperature checks truly stem coronavirus transmission.
Designed to detect fever—a hallmark COVID-19 symptom—these tools measure surface temperature without skin contact, reducing contamination risks.
However, experts consider them less reliable than electronic ear or oral thermometers, which provide greater precision despite longer scan times and higher exposure risks.
A critical flaw: asymptomatic carriers, who can spread the virus without fever, pass undetected since these devices only gauge body heat. Reports confirm positive tests after clearance.
Incubating individuals pose another challenge. Early estimates cited 14 days for incubation; a mid-February study indicated it could reach up to 24 days, with a median of 3 days.
Ultimately, thermal scanners identify feverish cases effectively but miss asymptomatics and those in incubation.
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