Like hand sanitizers and masks, the infrared thermometer has become a much-sought-after item in the city in the wake of the novel coronavirus threat.

An infrared thermometer, explained paediatrician Dr S.K. Mishra, checks the temperature of the human body by sensing the infrared energy radiated by the body.

“Fever is one of the symptoms of coronavirus and this device is easy to operate and it reads exact temperature of the human body. I have been using this for the past few years. This can be used at malls and other public places having huge footfall,” said Mishra, who lives on Kane Road.

The Nucleus Mall on Circular Road has started using infrared thermometers to detect body temperature of visitors.

“Three days back we brought three infrared thermometers and it comes in an affordable price. We have three entry points and security guards check the temperature all of visitors,” said manager of the mall Abhishek Malik. “This is a small handheld device that operates on battery power. The device is held close to the head and it quickly reads the temperature. The normal temperature of the body is 98.6° Fahrenheit. If the reading goes above that, the screen turns red meaning the person has fever.”

This is apparently the first mall of the state capital using the device.

The mall with 85 shops, a G+4 building with two basements, has an average footfall of around 4,000 per day.

“We want to procure more of these devices but it is out of market,” Malik said.

Ravi, owner of Rainbow Medical Plaza who sells infrared thermometers, said demand for the device has shot up and there is no supply.

“In the last five years I could sell barely five to six pieces. There was only one device left at my shop that I sold three days back. Suppliers have expressed their inability to supply saying the manufacturer is unable to meet the demand. Infrared thermometers are generally used by paediatricians to check temperature of children because kids often become uncomfortable with analogue and digital thermometers that take some time to read the temperature. Infrared thermometer is quick and easy in use because it doesn’t require body contact,” said Ravi.

Another city-based medical equipment supplier, who requested anonymity, said: “This equipment is out of market from February. Each device costs around Rs 2,500,” said the supplier.

The device is not yet in use at the Birsa Munda Airport, where the average footfall is around 6,000 per day.