As travelers gradually begin to make their way onto airplanes again, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that LAX will implement the use of thermal cameras for coronavirus screening, starting Tuesday. 

The cameras will detect body temperatures and spot travelers that have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. Should the camera show an individual has elevated temperature, they will go through an additional screening using a handheld, non-contact thermometer.

“If a person is identified as having elevated temperature, a staff member will approach the person and request a secondary screening of that individual using a trained medical professional,” Garcetti said.

LAX staff will advise people with elevated temperatures to not travel. It will only be an advisory, however, as there have not been orders of passenger removal for the new voluntary program.

The cameras will be placed at the main entrance of both the Tom Bradley International departure and arrival levels with posted signs that the cameras are in use.

Garcetti also noted that “some airlines will require further screenings” and that CDC staff on site to help screen international passengers who may be sick.

Delta Airlines is among the private airlines who have implemented their own passenger temperature screenings, while American Airlines has implemented a “health self-assessment” to its check-in process, where potential passengers confirm that they have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 within 21 days of their trip.

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