65664Next Generation Thermal Fever ScreeningClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKLimiting the spread of any virus is an extremely complex challenge and early detection of infected individuals is crucial to its success. Our revolutionary solution will help to get businesses, transport and the economy moving fast, effectively and safely using robust 'next generation' thermal fever detection technology with smart data analytics. The systems will be installed at entry points to commercial sites and public buildings (such as train/bus stations, libraries and hospitals), detecting and tracking people at risk of infection before they enter crowded areas, where the probability of passing the virus onto others is significantly higher. Fever is one of the earliest symptoms of COVID-19 to appear and also the most common, reported in 98.6% of cases. This was also true in many previous viral outbreaks such as Bird Flu, Swine Flu and SARS. As such, fever screening is recommended by the WHO as the most effective and practical non-contact method to screen for the majority of viruses, including COVID-19. Fever symptoms also indicate that an individual is currently infectious, making early detection very important. There is also widespread expectation of a recession due to the effects of COVID-19 so businesses are exploring ways in which to reduce the impact - getting back to work quickly and maintaining a healthy workforce are critical to this. This is of particular importance in sectors hardest hit by the virus, where remote working is not possible e.g. manufacturing, health, entertainment and sport. Unlike other fever scanning systems, the system will be able to operate ‘semi-outdoor’ environments, with a robust housing design and the ability to account for changes in ambient temperature throughout the day, reducing the chances of false readings. This will be particularly valuable to the locations where indoor installation is impossible, including many commercial security gates and stations. Critically, screening data will also be monitored in real time (within GDPR) by security personnel and public bodies. This will provide crucial insight into the live spread of the virus across individual sites and the country as a whole, as well as analysis on how to prevent future outbreaks. With significant levels of misinformation surrounding thermal fever screening in circulation, as well as a number of sub-standard products in the market, education and awareness are key to increasing the impact of this project. These sub-standard products could pose a dangerous threat by providing a false sense of security and allowing the virus to spread further. There will be on-going active engagement with public bodies and standards authorities, taking a leading role in writing standards documentation and public health advice. This will help to educate the most critical stakeholders, reduce the spread of misinformation and increase the uptake of only the most effective screening technologies. For many industries such as commercial aviation, the ability to screen individuals of any height (including children and wheelchair users) is an essential requirement. Using state of the art depth sensor technology, the camera’s field of view will be automatically adjusted depending on the height of the individual being screened. This exciting innovation will allow entry into brand new markets, helping to reduce the spread of the virus in the most critical of industries. ‘Joined Up’ integration with security systems and central COVID-19 testing hubs significantly increases the value of the screening data. Once an individual is identified, screening data can be passed onto these systems for further analysis. This is especially applicable to Universities where students are being regularly tested, and screening data can be recorded and used to filter potential COVID-19 risks, alerting the need for further tests.