CVCC Implements New Thermal Scanning Technology

With an emphasis on safety and efficiency, Catawba Valley Community College recently implemented new thermal scanning technology to help protect its students, faculty and staff from the threat of COVID-19.

06/24/2020

With an emphasis on safety and efficiency, Catawba Valley Community College recently implemented new thermal scanning technology to help protect its students, faculty and staff from the threat of COVID-19.

CVCC debuted four strategically placed cameras on campus Monday. They replace the previous temporal scanners used at screening stations, which measured temperature by scanning the forehead.

“Our Office of Safety and Security has been focused on helping us meet the higher education needs of our community in the safest means possible through this Pandemic,” said CVCC President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw. “Our team identified these thermal scanners as a way to safely interact with our stakeholders and maintain a safe environment in conjunction with our required protocols.”

The thermal cameras, which were developed by Alhau Technology, are used to take human temperature measurements. They will allow CVCC to not only keep its campus safe for students, faculty and staff, but also make it easier for them to reach the areas they need to go on campus in a timely manner.

Approximately 10 people can be scanned through the thermal cameras in 30 seconds, according to Steve Hunt, CVCC’s Chief of Staff for Safety, Security and Health.

Persons will enter a screening station, stand in front of the camera and have their temperature measured within seconds.

If a student, faculty or staff member has a temperature of more than 100 degrees, they are escorted to an isolation area and asked to leave campus and seek medical attention.

Hunt said the high temperature could deter those from campus who have not only COVID-19, but other illnesses as well.

“Obviously, we don’t want folks thinking that everyone who hits 100 degrees has COVID-19,” he said. “We’re not trying to medically diagnose them. We just know that 100 degree temperature is our gauge.”

The camera’s uses also go beyond temperature scanning.

“If you are not wearing a mask, it will remind you to put one on,” Hunt said. “It’s an awesome piece of equipment. We haven’t scratched the surface of what this thing will do. We think it’s the right tool for CVCC at this time.”

Each camera cost $6,000 each and were purchased through CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF). Hunt said the school plans to buy four additional cameras when campus opens for classes in the fall.

“We were fortunate to receive Cares Act funding to be able to purchase this technology,” Dr. Hinshaw said. “We are focused on the safety and health of our students, employees and our community as we continue to achieve our mission during this crisis.”

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