Airport officials and Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Monday that body thermal cameras stations are placed throughout Tom Bradley International Terminal and arrival areas at LAX. The cameras are another preventive measure to identify individuals who may be infected with COVID-19.
“This is a voluntary program with signage alerting passengers where the pilot will take place,” Garcetti said. “To be clear, these thermal camera temperature checks will not replace other safety measures. We’re not saying that you only can rely on this. This is an additional layer of safety.”
What is being referred to as The Terminal Wellness Pilot Program is scheduled to begin Tuesday, and Carlyle Airport Group is providing the cameras at no cost to LAX.
Garcetti said that the cameras are another preventive measure taken by the city and airport officials. If someone registers with a fever higher of 100.4 or higher, the airport staff will request a secondary screening. The passenger or visitor could be referred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff for further instructions, which could include quarantine.
At the same announcement, Los Angeles World Airports CEO Justin Erbacci said the Terminal Wellness Pilot Program is investigating various technologies to use for temperature checks of passengers and visitors at major hub airports. The findings and process are planned to be shared with other hubs in the U.S. and internationally.
Garcetti also said that “some airlines will require further screenings” and that CDC staff are on the site to help international screen passengers who may be sick.