Early detection and isolation of potentially COVID-19 positive individuals are critical to slowing the speed of viral transmission. This is especially true for disaster response, remote workforce camp, and medical environments. While frequent testing of every individual is not practical at this time, there are a number of strategies that can be used to detect the presence of COVID-19 in a general population.

Screening for COVID-19

Pre-screening of employees, patients, or disaster evacuees is the first line of defense against COVID-19. Common practices for pre-screening involve temperature checks, and a series of questions regarding potential symptoms. It is highly recommended that temperatures are measured using a contactless method such as an infrared thermometer, or Western Shelter’s Thermal Imagery Fever Screening Kit, to avoid any potential for COVID-19 transmission through the screening process itself.

The pre-screening environment should be designed to mitigate the risk of transmission through the screening process itself. This involves:

1. Maximizing airflow.

2. Creating a physical barrier between pre-screening staff and the individuals being screened.

3. Routine and rigorous disinfection of all surfaces and screening equipment.

Ideally pre-screening takes place in a semi-open air environment outside of permanent structures or temporary shelters. Pop-Up tents serve this purpose well as they provide protection from the sun and rain while still allowing for the dilution of COVID-19 particles.

Screening, Monitoring, and Isolation Solutions

Western Shelter offers solutions specifically tailored to assist with each of the CDC guidelines covered in this post. Fill out the contact form below for more information, or reach out to your Western Shelter Sales Representative.

Screening and Isolation Pods

Thermal Imagery Fever Screening

Surface Testing Kits

Isolation Systems

Stay tuned for part two of this post, which will cover monitoring COVID-19.