Good Hope introduces scanning technology

GOOD HOPE — During September’s board meeting, the Village of Good Hope agreed to purchase a health scanning device as part of their effort to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak.

The machine, which is available for purchase at MTC Communications, is designed to check temperatures to ensure that visitors do not have a fever, which is one of the key symptoms shown in those infected with COVID-19.

Good Hope board members said that, ideally, both village employees and visitors could use the device regularly, especially before work days, meetings, and social events.

The purchase comes at a time when many communities are taking steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 with methods like increased screening and isolating sick employees. With this device, those with fevers could return home instead of putting others around them at risk of contracting the virus.

The machine is also equipped with a facial recognition system that detects whether individuals are wearing face coverings, which have become common requirements before entering public buildings in municipalities across the country. If a face covering is not detected, the machine will encourage the user to put one on.

Users do not have to make physical contact with the machine, but instead may just show their face so that it can be detected and hover their wrist on the right side so that their temperature can be taken.

The village will pay $2,200 for the machine, which Village President John Connor said will be a wise investment because the COVID-19 crisis is unlikely to cease anytime in the near future.

Connor also said that the village will likely qualify for a reimbursement since they are eligible for about $16,000 through the Local CURE (Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency) Support Program.

According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the program is an extension of the CARES Act and its purpose is to help local governments offset expenses that they accumulate while trying to improve public health.

The machine can also be seen inside the lobby at Macomb City Hall.

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