The New “Normal”
Change is Constant
During my research, I came across a quote by Greek philosopher Heraclitus reminding me that “the only constant in life change.” With our entire world suffering from the unknowns and perpetual changes of a pandemic, one can see that there is no truer declaration. Change is the most consistent thing in our lives today, and though this has always been the case, these adaptations are currently happening at a rate that is borderline unmanageable. To aid in the relief process, people are employing as many technology tools as possible. Though there are a number of new technology trends out in our COVID-19 world today, none, I dare say, were necessarily created to handle the undertaking of a worldwide pandemic. As your local experts in the field of security and technology, we want to make sure that you are aware of some of the current technology trends as they start to make their way into our everyday lives.
The best technology for combating COVID-19 doesn’t exist yet. It can be an unnerving thought that there is not a solution out there to take on this beast. However, technology never really elicits a solution- the solution is in the process and we, as a global body, are responding. It’s the new “normal.”
So…how do we best steward our resources until then?
Be on the Lookout
There are a number of technology tools out there that are being utilized to assist in the spread of the Coronavirus. Unfortunately, every mechanism out there is only able to offer assistance in detecting and minimizing the spread of possible symptoms. The even harsher reality is that many of these products are being adapted for the new purpose they are serving, versus doing what they were initially designed for. For example, thermal cameras were originally created to detect objects based on a change in temperature, where now they are being used to identify a precise temperature reading by honing in on an individual's facial features. This does not mean it is not possible for these devices to be beneficial in a new role; they just might not be foolproof, reliable instruments yet. Here are a couple of current technology tools and encouraged policies to be on the lookout for as shelter-in-place regulations are lifted and the new “normal” begins:
Thermal Cameras- Thermal cameras are now acting as fever detection devices to offer rapid temperature readings for large groups of people. However, these gadgets weren’t initially designed to function in this capacity. This is causing new guidelines from the FDA, along with a plethora of variables to go along with it. Some of these variables consist of a temperature calibration unit, which requires an isolated space for screenings, the removal of facial obstructions, as well as a secondary method for temperature readings and the possibility of inaccurate scans.
Monitoring- With individuals heading back to work and out to shops again, there has been a lot of chatter about using surveillance cameras to monitor the process. This could appear in a variety of forms, from monitoring traffic flow to sanitation, contact tracking to capacity numbers. What it really boils down to is that there are, and will continue to be, a number of changes happening as we step back into our new “normal” and surveillance cameras could be used to enforce tech regulations and processes, along with CDC and government guidelines
Facial Recognition- Many of us are already accustomed to a number of hands-free systems, but with things shaking out the way they are, this could be taken to the next level. It won’t just be sliding doors and motion sensor soap dispensers; we could be looking at systems where our faces are the ticket. In an effort to minimize unnecessary physical contact and increase monitoring abilities, analytics, in a number of devices, are moving in the direction of facial recognition as a key component. This method could also be used in conjunction with surveillance cameras as a way to directly identify individuals in different video monitoring scenarios. If our smartphones can identify our faces, this type of recognition could be utilized in more ways than we could even imagine.
Virtual Check-Ins- I think, for many of us, it is safe to say that in our age of technology, virtual communication has played an important role in our lives. Without it, communication, be it educational, social, or business, would have many more hurdles to overcome and the current circumstances would be borderline unbearable. Keeping virtual communication in mind, we have seen a number of current technology tools point in the direction of health and wellness. One of the booming technical advancements in the field is virtual check-ins and remote patient monitoring. This technology has aided in the quality of care healthcare professionals are able to offer their patients. Whether it’s a casual check-in while they are on their way to their next task or being alerted if a patient has had a fall or more major accident. So be it to remain sane during quarantining or to save a life during a medical emergency, we can be on the lookout for an even greater virtual communication presence in the near future.
These latest technology tools are just a few picks from the top of the barrel. It’s the new “normal” and SafeCity wants to help educate you on the upcoming movements in the tech industry. We’re here to serve you so we can better serve one another.
What About Us?
There are so many adaptations coming at us every day, that we might forget to pause and remind ourselves the best tool, more often than not, is within us- our minds.
None of these current technology tools will offer any aid or success in the process if we, the users, are not operating and following guidelines properly. The pressure cannot just be put on technology to fix the issues at hand. People, whether they want it or not, have a responsibility to uphold.
How are we going to do that?
It is up to us to take in the information and technologies we have on hand and utilize them to the best of our abilities, be flexible with ever-changing circumstances, be patient with the process, products and people and most of all be kind to one another. We’re all in this together and SafeCity is here to help you; so hands in Savannah (metaphorically speaking of course)!