OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Like many businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the fitness industry hard, but one local gym uses a select type of technology to check people's temperatures to slow the spread.
"After 36 years in business, I thought I saw it all, and then this hit, and it's been like a curveball unlike anything else," said Todd Smith, owner of Todd Smith Fitness.
COVID-19 has changed so much, including being able to work out at that fitness center.
"We were searching for something that would really ensure the safety of our customers," said Smith.
Smith turned to technology and is now using an infrared thermometer to take customer's temps as they walk in the door.
"You're either granted access, or your temperature is too high, and you're asked to leave," said Smith.
"It shoots an infrared light at you, and it can detect your temperature within one degree," said Dustin Talacko, President of Talacko Safety Solutions.
Talacko helped bring the technology to the fitness center.
"The CDC will tell you that anything over 100.5 they start to be concerned about having some sort of an issue going on, so this will actually alarm at 100.5," said Talacko.
He also says the technology may be something that bigger venues use in the future.
"We do have an option for big facilities like TD Ameritrade Park (CHI Health) Center that can actually scan hundreds of people an hour," said Talacko.
For now at Todd Smith Fitness, this device is helping bring back peace of mind.
"We're going everything in our power to create the safest environment for our customers and an environment they can feel comfortable coming into," said Smith.
The manufacturer of the technology says the temperature reading is just one thing the device can do. It also allows things like facial recognition.