Prof Oliviera discusses the inaccuracy of the infrared thermometer
Professor Tulio de Oliveira is the director of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) at UKZN. He joins Darren, Keri and Sky for another COVID-19 information session.
Virus hunter and scientist Prof Oliviera is back to give us an update and the new developments on Covid-19.
He discusses the spike in the number of positive cases in Gauteng is a cause for concern, considering we are now connected by land and air.
Prof Oliviera says: "In the last few weeks there has been an incredible amount of traffic going back and forth between Gauteng."
Also read: Coronavirus: latest global developments
He goes on to mention that South Africa recorded its largest number of positive cases in a day, which recently was 4300 cases. This is significantly alarming.
"The overuse of thermometers, these devices are not normally accurate. Why? Because the best way to measure body temperature is by directly touching the forehead, in the mouth, ear or armpit," says Prof.
Also read: US approaching 2 million coronavirus cases: Johns Hopkins
He advises not to use the thermometer in public spaces for two reasons:
- The reading of the thermometers, especially the cheap devices, will not give an accurate reading
- It should be our responsibility to be monitoring our own temperature or symptoms and if we are not feeling well. We need to avoid public spaces
Find out more in the podcast below: