NO THERMAL SCANNER AT AIRPORT, YET

■ Even though on March 5 the then officiating deputy commissioner, Aashika Jain, had directed the health department to immediately buy thermal scanners worth ₹15 lakh, no equipment has been made available at the airport yet

■ Thermal cameras can scan large crowds and spot people with higher temperatures, thereby saving time. Once authorities identify the possibly infected persons, they can segregate them for further screening

■ In the absence of a thermal scanner, the department is scanning passengers with thermometers, a logistical nightmare

■ Mohali DC Girish Dayalan said, “There was an issue of funds for buying a thermal scanner, but now we have asked the industry body to buy one under corporate social responsibility.”