Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has stepped up its efforts against the coronavirus with the installation of thermal cameras, and implementation of more social distancing guidelines to its employees.

Hactl – Hong Kong’s largest independent cargo handler – said the thermal cameras it stalled in its staff canteen and throughout SuperTerminal 1 will help identify any individual with an abnormally high body temperature, which is a key indicator of potential infection with coronavirus.

In addition, Hactl said it has now restricted the number of seats in use in its canteen – which normally cater for its 2400-strong resident workforce  – in order to comply with distancing directives and said it now provides a sit-down meal service only for its staff and tenants based in SuperTerminal 1; while all others may only purchase takeaway food.

Hactl is also implementing additional temperature checks for all staff during their shifts or, in the case of office staff, after their lunch breaks.

Additionally, the cargo handler continues with its original safety measures including a ban on business travel, restricting business meetings to teleconferencing, and home-working for some office staff.

"All staff and visitors to SuperTerminal 1 are temperature-checked before being allowed access to the building, all staff are provided with face masks and hand sanitizer, and shift rosters are constantly reviewed in order to minimize the number of staff on-site at any one time," a statement from Hactl said.