Soetta Airport Installs Thermal Scanner For Mpox Virus Detection

Illustration (Photo: Doc Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Angkasa Pura II (Persero), as the main manager of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Soetta), Tangerang, Banten, has again implemented standard health protocols by installing a body temperature detection device (thermal scanner) to prevent the MonkeyPox virus (Mpox).

Senior Manager of Branch Communication & Legal Soekarno-Hatta Airport, M. Holik Muardi in Tangerang, Sunday, said that the installation of this thermal scanner was a step to increase the case of airport authorities in preventing the emergence of MPox verus.

"We have implemented various proactive steps to prevent the spread of the monkeypox virus at Soekarno-Hatta Airport. We are working closely with the Health Quarantine Center (BBKK) and various related parties, ensuring that every passenger entering Indonesia has gone through a comprehensive screening process and is in accordance with established health protocols", he said as quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, September 1.

He said, by prioritizing the health and safety of passengers as well as airport personnel, preventive measures have been strengthened and focused on early detection, proper handling, and providing adequate facilities.

"To deal with the threat of the spread of monkeypox, Soekarno-Hatta Airport has taken various collaborative steps with various relevant agencies," he said.

This collaboration is designed to ensure that any potential monkeypox cases can be detected and handled quickly and appropriately. Intensive coordination between airports and other stakeholders ensures a comprehensive handling protocol, ranging from early detection to further medical treatment.

One of the steps taken when suspect monkeypox was found in the international arrival area was the separation of passengers who were indicated to have symptoms from other passengers.

"Passengers suspected of being infected with monkeypox will be immediately directed to a temporary isolation room that has been specially prepared at the airport. In this isolation room, passengers will undergo further medical examination by the health team who is always on standby 24 hours. If the passenger is confirmed to have symptoms that match the monkeypox," he explained.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport has also created a monkeypox post to increase alertness and provide direct support in case prevention and handling.

In addition, supporting facilities have been added with the installation of a thermal scanner in the international arrival area of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

"This thermal scanner serves to detect passenger body temperature in real-time, as an initial effort to identify the symptoms associated with the monkeypox. Currently, there are 2 thermal scanner units at Terminal 2 and 4 units at Terminal 3, which are strategically placed to ensure all international passengers pass through body temperature checks before continuing their arrival process," he said.