Can automatic temp. sensors slow spread of Corona virus?

Legionella is the bacterium that is the causative organism of Legionnaires Disease. Controlling legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems is often done by implementing a temperature control regime. These systems are well documented in HSG 74 and HTM 04-01.

A temperature control system to reduce the risk of contracting Legionnaires disease relies on measuring the temperature at outlets and pipework runs in the hot and cold water system. Some of these tests are required weekly to be compliant and in many cases are carried out by external specialist contractors.

What has a legionella temperature control regime got to do with slowing down the spread of Corona virus (COVID-19)?

Many healthcare premises use external contractors to carry out the required temperature checks on the system. Obviously healthcare premises carry groups of people who are more at risk of complications if they become infected with Corona virus. Having less people visit healthcare premises must help slow down the spread of the corona virus:

The current advice from the UK government has 5 steps to consider, of which step 3 is called plan ahead. Here is an extract:

3) Plan ahead based on your situation

There are a number of ways to slow down an infectious disease outbreak. Well-established tactics include self-isolation as mentioned above, as well as measures sometimes referred to as “social distancing.”

One example of social distancing could be encouraging more working from home for instance, or another option could involve urging people to continue to go to work or school as usual, but reduce social activity or non-essential travel.

So, 'social distancing' is a tactic that will help prevent the spread of the virus and indeed other viruses that will undoubtedly surface in the future. The installation of remote temperature monitoring systems linked to an automatic reporting system means that 'social distancing' can easily be achieved.

Working from home as a specialist legionella control consultant is easily done. The clients data can be viewed remotely on any suitable device. Any problems can be identified and the client can be informed of the rectification action required without a site visit.

It is not just health care premises where this social distancing is important, albeit protecting vulnerable groups is the main challenge. If less contractors have to visit sites then this will slow down the spread of any virus, not just Corona.

It is probably too late to install a remote automatic wireless temperature sensor system to help prevent Corona virus infections. For the future though it has to be something that is considered.