QUARANTINE

Thermal detectors like the ones currently used in Singapore will be installed at Piarco and Crown Point Airports to complement seven infra red thermometers which the Health Ministry will acquire to beef up surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The new equipment will provide a thermal image displaying body temperatures above a pre-defined value (in the case of SARS it will be temperatures above 38C [104F]), and this will alert medical personnel to do further assessment. Those who have body temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius will be isolated for further tests to determine if they have the virus. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at the Ministry of Health Dr Rampersad Parasram yesterday said the Ministry has received quotations and a decision has been taken to purchase the equipment.

Hundreds of people will be screened per minute as they walk past a camera on the detector, which is also equipped with display software and data acquisition and recording system. The two detectors cost just more than $400,000. The new infra red thermometers were on display at the Health Ministry although Parasram said a decision has not been taken whether to use them or stick to the type currently used by Port Health Workers. “As soon as the Port Health officer gives feedback on the band a decision will be taken.” Seven thermometers will be distributed across TT to Piarco and Crown Point  airports, and sea ports at Port-of-Spain, Point-a-Pierre, Pt Lisas and Scarborough. “This allows us to scan a whole lot of people in a short time frame,” Parasram said. The thermometers can measure up to 250F.

Staff within the Public Health Inspectorate will have to be redeployed to supplement those working in areas where surveillance for SARS is being intensified. Parasram said there are no new reports of any suspected or probable case of SARS. Commenting on the situation at the Thoracic Ward at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex where nurses reportedly said they were not properly informed of preparations for SARS, Parasram said he did hear that nurses complain about not being involved in the sensitisation seminar. A notice was posted announcing seminars for all staff at Mt Hope on April 17, 22, 23, 24 (doctors and nurses) and 25. Additional seminars took place at Ampitheatre C on April 30, May 1 and 2. Parasram said further seminars would be scheduled. He took the opportunity to welcome input from trade unions in the campaign to sensitise health workers and allay their fears. He also invited suggestions from the public, groups or agencies.