O2 says a new line of smart security products will allow offices, retailers and other businesses to enforce protection and social distancing requirements from the coronavirus. The easing of government lockdowns has allowed more people to return to the workplace and a wider variety of businesses to resume business operations, however, with additional responsibilities for employees and customers. These requirements can create practical and financial challenges for companies that need to make significant changes to their procedures. O2 hopes that the Internet of Things (IoT) and connectivity can alleviate logistical headaches. When the operator reopened its stores in June, it used apps for virtual queuing, digital appointments and staff scheduling to improve security. This set of services was made available to its professional clients. Now it has partnered with Bell integrating a new range of thermal scanning and visitor management tools. These are suitable for office and retail environments, with O2 testing the technology at their headquarters in Slough. A thermal imaging tablet can read a person's body surface temperature at a distance of up to one meter with a margin of error of 0,3 degrees. This is then combined with contactless visitor management features that provide a QR code that visitors can scan and register. All data is secure and can be shared with government tracking and tracing efforts. O2 also offers a portable thermal imaging scanner that can provide a temperature reading accurate to within 0,5 degrees. O2 says this is the highest level of accuracy possible with a single camera. Finally, a social distance room management platform makes it possible to monitor the occupancy status of a common space such as a kitchen or meeting room and ensure that capacity is not exceeded. A digital screen is green when it is safe to enter a room and red when it is not. "As we look to rebuild Britain, these new COVID-19 solutions will help minimize the risk of the virus spreading when the country returns to work, through automation and reduced physical interaction times." said Jo Bertram, CEO of O2 Business. "This will not only help businesses recover, but will boost their confidence as they reopen their doors in the coming weeks and months." The pandemic has elevated the status of telecommunications, with the public depending on their mobile and broadband connections for work, entertainment and communication.