While we all find we suddenly know more than we ever thought possible about infection control, the truth is that, in the long-term, technology will be key to maintaining high levels of safety and hygiene in public places.
Already, track and trace apps have become commonplace, and temperature checks the norm, but as life beings to return to normal, a new product that brings all those elements and more together in a simple and cost-effective way is attracting a great deal of interest.
The Genesis-1, an all-in-one temperature scanner, contactless hand sanitising unit station with full track and trace capability, could well transform the way workplaces, hospitality venues, shops, banks, NHS premises and care homes ensure that anyone entering their premises is doing so safely.
Stephen Briggs, Managing Director of Global Procurers in Lavendon, the company behind Genesis-1, believes that the equipment will allow a smoother and less labour-intensive alternative to having staff at entrance points to carry out checks.
“Take all the things we have become used to doing over the past few months, and the Genesis-1 does it all,” said Stephen. “It is a temperature scanner, it can detect whether someone is wearing a mask, it will remind people to use the contactless hand sanitiser and has track and trace capabilities.
“We’ve all learned to live with those measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and there’s every indication that they will be with us for some time to come, so it makes sense to make it as easy as possible to install a simple solution that will help keep everyone safe.”
The Genesis-1 is free standing, while wall mounted or counter-top models are also available to suit the premises, and lease costs work out to around £20 per week. Full training on how to use the units is provided, and if necessary, they can be programmed remotely by Stephen and his team.
Using Android technology, the units can be set to detect a certain range of temperatures; to sound audible and visual alerts if a high temperature is detected or a person is not wearing a mask when they should be. They have the capability to allow access to all those who enter the premises on a regular basis, and can be pre-programmed with additional details of those who are visiting, such as those arriving for a meeting, or visiting a loved one in a care home. In shops, pubs and restaurants, for instance, where taking full track and trace details is more complicated, a visitor can request an access code to their phone, which then receives an authorisation, so storing the appropriate phone number in the Genesis-1 system.
The equipment can also be set for occupancy counts, so that the number of people within a building can be kept at safe levels.
Stephen added: “We have sometimes ridiculous scenarios where shops with two or more entrance points have to have staff on all doors, using walkie-talkies to let their colleagues know it’s OK to let another customer in. One of our customers told us that they are saving £400 a week simply by not needing to pay staff to stand at in reception taking people’s temperatures.
“Temperature checks are a key to stopping the spread of the virus, it’s one of the earliest symptoms and some people don’t realise they may be ill until it is flagged up to them that their temperature is high. Surely, it’s better for them to know, for their own sake and for the safety of the people they were about to come into contact with.
“Looking long term, now that we understand more about infection control and the transmission of viruses, I think everyone’s thinking will change. It doesn’t have to be coronavirus, it makes sense to identify people who have a temperature – whether it’s just a cold or winter flu – before they go into a building and infect someone else. Think of the working days that could be saved by not having someone transmit to all their colleagues, or the lives that could be saved by not taking winter flu into a care home.
“That’s something that’s now possible with a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution that covers all the basic requirements of track and trace and basis safety and hygiene.”
Find out more about Genesis by calling 01234 240888, email info@gpltd.net or visit www.globalprocurers.com or www.GenesisTrackandTrace.co.uk
