Patriot Prep Academy installing thermal imaging tech as part of COVID-19 measures
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Patriot Preparatory Academy is one of the first schools in Central Ohio installing thermal imaging technology, as part of their COVID-19 measures to help students possibly return to school.
The school follows the Union County Justice Center, who is currently running a pilot program of the "panda cam," ABC6 reported last week.
"We really saw it as a good way to help ensure student safety as well as staff safety," school superintendent Sean Smith said. "I feel like it’s kind of non-invasive when you think about how a student might feel walking into the building and having their temperature checked."
The school installed the camera system over the past week. Smith says the system cost $22,000, funded by CARES Act money.
Silco Fire and Security, the company behind the tech, says the cameras come in a couple of different styles, including a tablet-like system. The largest capacity thermal imaging camera can read the temperatures of up to about 30 people at once. Silco says they've seen demand from several different industries; offices, factories, government buildings, and more aside from schools.
Here's how it works: Screens show a live feed of what the camera's seeing, while highlighting the temperatures of each person detected. In Patriot Prep's case, any temperatures above 100 degrees will be flagged by the system for a closer check-up.
"I think this just adding another layer that can ensure-- or do the best we can to ensure students and staff remain healthy while in school," Smith said.
Meanwhile, several school districts across Central Ohio and the State are unveiling their plans for school in the fall, with Columbus City Schools, the state's largest district, opting for online learning. Smith says a survey of Patriot Prep Academy parents shows they want options for in-person, online, and hybrid learning. Smith says parents can choose their preferred method, but the plan still isn't final.
"At this point, we’re reviewing the guidance from the Columbus health department to determine what is the best means of ensuring safety of our students and staff as we return," Smith said. "We’re kind of waiting for a little bit to make those final determinations."
