Albertsons rolls out contactless temperature, health check solution

Adding to its coronavirus safety measures, Albertsons Cos. has deployed a contactless temperature check and health screening solution for associates and vendors. 

Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons said yesterday that the new technology, from Turing Video Inc., is being rolled out across the company’s supermarket banners and facilities and will  provide a more reliable health-screening process. 

The Turing Video solution encompasses a built-in, touchless body temperature scanner and a digital COVID-19 health questionnaire. Upon successful completion of the temperature screening and validation of the heath questionnaire, associates receive stickers printed with the word “CLEAR” and their photo. 

Albertsons said the sticker can be worn by screened workers who aren’t in food production areas. Those in food production positions who have been screened will have their stickers logged in the department.

“The health and safety of associates working in our facilities is a top priority, and the enhanced health screening process provides us with peace of mind while promoting a healthy workplace,” Susan Morris, chief operations officer at Albertsons Cos., said in a statement. “After testing multiple options, we are grateful for the support and partnership of Turing Video to deliver an effective, scalable solution.” 

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Turing Video’s solution can help health screeners avoid potential COVID-19 exposure while ensuring effective temperature screening for all associates, according to Albertsons. The retailer said the enhanced temperature check and health screening will be implemented across all markets regardless of their COVID-19 risk state, enabling the company to adhere to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and regional mandates. 

As of late afternoon on Wednesday, U.S. COVID-19 cases totaled nearly 12.7 million since the start of the pandemic, including more than 261,000 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Centers. Published reports from around the country say infections and deaths continue to rise heading into the holiday season. 

“Turing Video is excited to team up with Albertsons in this partnership,” stated Jerry Zhong, co-founder and president of San Mateo, Calif.-based Turing Video, whose grocery retail clients also include Trader Joe’s. “A quick, easy, contactless and effective health screen is a key to containing the spread of COVID-19, and Albertsons Cos. quickly recognized the value in implementing this system.”

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The nation’s second-largest supermarket operator, Albertsons Cos. operates 2,252 food and drug stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under banners such as Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs.