BOISE — The Boise Centre isn't planning on reopening until the end of July, but they already have a Clean and Safe Plan in place for reopening and welcoming events again.
This plan includes checking everyone's temperature through thermal cameras.
"Most importantly we want to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community, and among our employees and guests that want to hold events in our buildings," said Boise Centre Communications Manager, Mary-Michael Rodgers.
As you walk in the thermal camera focuses on your face and detects temperatures through infrared light. The Rodgers said that the cameras are accurate within .2 degrees Fahrenheit.
"If your temperature is at or above 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit, you will be stopped and brought into a private room," said Boise Centre's Assistant Executive Director, Cody Lund.
You will wait in the room 10-15 minutes, then an employee will recheck your temperature using a handheld thermometer.
"We understand there are other reasons why the thermal camera would detect a high temperature, like a recent sunburn," said Lund. "That's why we check both ways just to make sure they match."
If the handheld thermometer still reads a temperature at or above 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit, you will not be able to enter the Boise Centre.
They are leaving it up to the event host on how to proceed after that and if a refund will be issued.
"The event host can use the third party security that we are having conduct the temp tests to basically let the guests know, but also it's more likely the event planner will go talk to the attendee," said Lund.
Each camera and its monitor costs roughly $16,000. The Boise Centre bought three to check all employees and to have at the West and East side entrances.
"The cost was worth it. Just like the magnetrons and hands wands are in place at entrances to protect everyone attending large events, so are thermal cameras," said Rodgers. "It's all about safety."
How long will they use thermal cameras?
“Until there is a vaccine or until we are ensured by the local, regional and federal health authorities that it is safe to open and have large events again we will continue to use precautionary measures such as thermal cameras,” said Rodgers.
The Boise Centre is also increasing cleaning protocols, adding extra sanitization stations and encouraging all guests to wear masks.
You can read more about the Safe and Clean plan by clicking on this link.
