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A screen demonstrates facial-recognition technology at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on August 29, 2019. (Picture: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg)
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Beijing considers using facial recognition to fight a new Covid-19 outbreak

  • AI temperature screening and facial recognition systems that recognize people wearing masks have already been introduced in some parts of the country
Facial recognition
Masha Borak
Masha Borak
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As Beijing battles a new resurgence of Covid-19 cases, local authorities are talking about using technology to slow the spread of the disease again.

Facial recognition and automatic temperature measurement were among the solutions proposed by authorities in Beijing’s Chaoyang district, according to local media.
The move comes as Beijing deals with a new cluster of Covid-19 infections, linked to the Xinfadi wholesale food market. On Tuesday, the city raised its emergency response to the second highest level. By Wednesday, there were at least 137 confirmed coronavirus cases.
Companies like AI giant Megvii have already introduced AI fever detection systems in some subway stations in Beijing. (Picture: Megvii)
Other parts of China are already using technology to help control the spread of Covid-19. Some offices and factories even introduced systems that can recognize people wearing masks.
Temperature scanning is commonplace, including AI fever detection systems in subway stations. One Shenzhen-based company even introduced an AI-powered police helmet that screens body temperature.
But not everything is high-tech. Despite the use of surveillance cameras and other tech solutions, Beijing’s disease prevention efforts also rely on local volunteers keeping paper records.
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