Hi-tech thermal detectors have been introduced in hospitals as part of a pilot programme to measure temperatures without contact with staff.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board said two brands of monitor have been in use since Christmas Eve – two at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and one at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.

A BHB spokeswoman said: “Specifically designed to address concerns with the spread of Covid-19, the monitors will advise you to wear a mask if you don’t have one on, or if it does not cover your nose and mouth.

“If your temperature is too high, a recording announces that your access is denied and a red light flashes.

“If you are wearing a mask and you do not have a fever, the monitor will display your temperature on the screen and sound a message that giving you permission to enter.”

Earlene Wilkinson, the BHB’s security and fire officer, said the response from staff and the public had been good.

She added: “People appreciate the move away from the personal contact involved in manual temperature taking.

“Both brands are compatible with our access control doors and so we will have the ability to programme the entrance doors not to open automatically if you are not masked or if your temperature is too high.”

Visitors can stand in front of the devices to have their body temperature measured by digital sensors.

The spokeswoman added that rules were in place to manage people who are denied entry, with emergency staff wearing protective equipment to attend to those going to into the emergency department.

Other people denied access will be advised to contact their GP.