Coronavirus business update: Latest news across the North West

The Met has installed a thermal imaging camera as part of the Bury arts centre’s wider preparations for safely re-opening its doors to the public.

Installed by locally based technology solutions specialist Avoira, the artificial intelligence equipped camera will automatically temperature scan visitors’ foreheads as they arrive in the theatre’s foyer.

Within one second it will identify anyone carrying a raised body temperature, alerting staff through both visual and audio prompts, delivered via a monitor on the reception desk.

Incredibly accurate, the camera deployed by Avoira is among a range unique on the market in operating as standard to within +/- 0.5 degrees Celsius.

This is in line with international standards set for the use of screening thermographs when temperature screening for fever symptoms.

Temperature readings are taken from a specific area of the forehead to prevent detection from other heat sources – such as a hot beverage – and ensure face masks can still be worn.

The Met unveiled the technology last Friday (August 14) at a pilot event designed to test audience reaction to the venue’s COVID-19 protocols and the hosting of a live streamed concert.

Organised in consultation with Bury Council and public health advisors, it saw 30 invited guests enjoying Met favourites Mad Dog Mcrea playing live at Bath’s Komedia venue.

Other measures introduced include a one-way system, managed access to the toilets and table service. Track and trace data is captured through the venue’s booking system, with staff set to be temperature tested before starting every shift.

“We are tiptoeing from a standstill to again welcoming live audiences to The Met,” explained artistic director, David Agnew.

“Friday’s pilot event was all about testing how the building will operate and gauging audience reaction to a live streamed gig.

“We’re going to ask all those who attended to give us feedback to see how comfortable they were with the precautions we’ve introduced and the quality of their experience.”

He added: “The thermal imaging camera is important, not just because of what it does, but that it can be seen doing it. It gives visitors an early indication that we have absolutely everything in place, immediately reassuring them.”

Avoira managing director, Andrew Roberts, says thermal imaging technology is now being widely embraced as businesses and public sector organisations grapple with the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“Thermal imaging is not a silver bullet, but this technology has an important role to play within organisations’ public and employee safety plans.”

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Phio access screens

Manchester commercial law firm Kuits has advised healthtech organisation EQL on the roll-out of its digital triage support tool, Phio.

A digital physiotherapy assessment support tool, Phio remotely provides information on clinical signposting to the suitable care pathways to those with musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries.

Throughout the lockdown period, Kuits has advised EQL on securing contractual partnerships with healthcare providers to allow their patients use of the app, including Connect Health, Circle Health and Healthshare.

The team from Kuits was led by commercial and IP partner Caroline Brennan and associate Rebecca Bainbridge.

Caroline Brennan said: “We are delighted to have helped EQL secure these contracts, especially during such a critical time in the pandemic where access to medical care was not readily available for some.

“Although developed before the lockdown period, Phio has proven to be a timely and intuitive concept which will support access to MSK healthcare from a patient’s own home.”

Jason Ward, co-founder and chief executive of EQL said: “We created Phio with the vision of providing best-in-class, at-home triage.

“The partnerships Kuits has assisted us with are exciting developments in our quest for digital-first support — empowering patients to take control of their muscle and joint conditions, whilst alleviating pressure on the NHS at this very busy time.”

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Families across Knowsley have received free Summer activity packs to help them escape the lockdown blues during the school holidays with the help of Livv Housing Group and the SNAP programme.

Livv donated £20,000 towards the Sport Nutrition and Active Play scheme which has helped fund 1,250 Summer activity packs full of hours of creative fun for youngsters.

And the packs were distributed across the borough in style, in a fire engine with firefighters from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s Prescot Green Watch, who were keen to support the Summer fun initiative.

This activity is part of Livv’s commitment to investing in the community and working with groups in the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sectors to enhance the lives of people in the region.

The packs have been made up by Livv employees and will provide children with a range of fun activities to do while at home for the holidays. Packs include a pack of wildflower seeds to take to the garden, a cookie cutter to enjoy a spot of baking, a Jenga set, frisbee, colouring book and crayons, a bat and ball set and a bubble wand.

Around 1,000 packs were also distributed to volunteer hubs across the borough, with another 250 going to some of Livv Housing Group’s customers who have been identified as needing extra support during the pandemic, while more than 100 packs have also been delivered directly to registered families by staff from One Knowsley.

SNAP is coordinated by One Knowsley, in partnership with Livv Housing Group and Knowsley Council.

Amanda Newton, executive director, customer insight, at Livv Housing Group, said: “Our teams had great fun in making up these activity packs, which we hope will bring hours of Summer-time fun to children from across the borough. We are committed to supporting the people in our communities and this is a small way of us helping out families across the Summer.

Racheal Jones, One Knowsley chief executive, said: “Knowsley’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector never ceases to amaze us. They have come together during a difficult period of time and created a fantastic Summer holiday programme of activities.”

Station manager Steve Thomas, from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “This is a great example of how we can work together on a voluntary basis to help our communities in times of struggle.”