- BOH
Tech and Live Events
Across essential businesses, daily health screenings are becoming the new normal, allowing several elevated-risk environments to re-open and operate. Some believe that if testing negative for COVID-19 was your ticket to live events again, there'd be a greater incentive to get tested, and live events could return sooner.
CrowdBlink Protect, one of the many screening platforms launched for businesses and events, is programmed to streamline the testing process. How do these apps work?
An individual presents an ID for scanning or states their name for manual entry.
The individual will be prompted to answer a series of questions to identify any symptoms they may be experiencing.
The app takes a quick temperature check.
The technology analyzes the data and generates a pass / fail response.
This new technology adds value to businesses by quickly gathering and storing results in an electronic database. Not only is it an effective way to determine the safety of individuals via negative responses, but the storage of positive responses also lends itself to the beginning of the contact tracing process. Contact tracing is used to identify individuals who have been in contact with the person who tested positive. On-site testing, along with contact tracing, could be the future of registration and accessibility as live events make their comeback.
In New Zealand, socially distanced events require temperature checks at entry and, should a patron test positive, mandatory opt-in to contact tracing is implemented. These practices and the use of PPE are modeled from government guidelines. There’s no denying that technology will be instrumental in eliminating health risks and allowing live event operations to proceed. The industry watches hopefully as Live Nation New Zealand begins their journey into a post-COVID-19 world, setting a precedent for what live events will look like in the future.
ASM Global has been researching what it means to assure a safe experience for their fans and staff. They’re referring to their new best practices, “Venue Shield”, as they prepare for reopening. Components of their plan include limiting touchpoints by implementing point of sale and access control technology, applying social distancing measures, and standardizing PPE regulations. Customization seems to be at the center of several new health practices and technologies. With venues of varying sizes and layouts across the world, the plans that succeed will be those that take into account the unique needs of different spaces.
Different regions around the world are approaching testing and contact tracing with distinct priorities. Australia's COVIDSafe app largely focuses on functionality and privacy. Singapore's PouchNATION emphasizes continuous temperature monitoring through wristbands. All-encompassing technology will likely be the most effective, and tech that incorporates additional elements like food and drink purchases or coat check will make all the difference when event planners are ready to integrate these technologies into their operations. As governments begin to work through phases of re-opening, these applications could prove to have tremendous value.