UAE is Using Face Scanners to Detect COVID-19

UAE is Using Face Scanners to Detect COVID-19

The UAE’s Abu Dhabi Health Department has approved the use of face scanners in public areas to detect potential COVID-19 cases and slow its spread. This technology has been designed to detect people who may be infected.

Should one of these scanners detect a positive , that person would be barred from the area and required to perform a PCR test within 24 hours to confirm or deny the result provided by the facial scan.

These scanners are called EDE and have already been tested in other parts of the country such as the entry point of the Ghantoot hotel and other public locations such as Yas Island, where the famous Formula 1 circuit is located, and the entry points and Depart from Mussafah city area.

A new sensing technology

The scanners tested more than 20,000 people with quite positive results: 90.3% sensitivity when identifying infected people and 83% precision when identifying negative ones, so there is a small percentage of error in this scheme.

Electromagnetic waves are the key to making this technology work. These waves are altered when they detect the RNA particles of the COVID-19 virus. This makes obtaining results almost instantaneous.

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They are placed five meters from a person’s face and the scan is performed. After this, it only takes a few seconds for the scanner to send a message to the scanning smartphone. If a green message arrives, it means that the person does not have the virus while a red one indicates signs of infection.

“Abu Dhabi has adopted an integrated strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, based on increased testing to ensure safe entry into the emirate, vaccination, and the continued implementation of precautionary measures,” says Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.

Help to fight the virus

These EDE scanners allow new technology to be added to prevention measures , helping to create safer areas and maintain public health. These will be used together with other approved methods such as PCR.

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This technology is reminiscent of the COVID Hunter that was announced last February. This device was capable of instantly detecting the virus without contact both on people and on surfaces.

These devices are helping to take a big step in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and helping people stay safe during this difficult time.