Pentagon initiates COVID-19 screening initiative

Pentagon officials said FLIR Systems has installed its EST screening system at the Visitor Center in Washington, D.C., to screen visitors for potential COVID-19 symptoms.

“For more than 40 years, FLIR has provided advanced thermal imaging technology to America’s military — on its aircraft, helicopters, ships at sea, and to forces on land,” FLIR President and CEO Jim Cannon said. “We’re honored to again serve the U.S. defense community in this effort to better protect visitors to the Pentagon and support elevated skin temperature screening.”

Officials said the A700 EST-IS features the FLIR A700 thermal imaging camera system used to screen visitors for elevated or higher than expected skin temperatures, which can help guard against the spread of COVID-19, adding the installation is one of varied elements FLIR is currently discussing with United States Department of Defense officials for applications across the armed services.

Cannon said FLIR booked roughly $100 million in new EST business in the first quarter of 2020, noting more recently General Motors announced it will use FLIR cameras at many of its sites to screen workers to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

FLIR officials said the firm has been employed worldwide by customers since the 2003 SARS epidemic, with unique functionality that includes advanced measurement tools and alarms to enable faster critical decisions.