A new crowd protection solution slated as having “the potential to transform the way we enter large-gathering events and venues” has been launched by Manchester-based crowd protection experts Crowdguard, in response to recent rises in aggressive, anti-social behaviour as well as the very real threat of a COVID-spreading (or superspreading) incident.
Crowdgate is an innovative health protective and weapons detection solution specially designed to mitigate risks to the health and safety of guests in major-event settings in the COVID era.
A solution which may help to turn the tide for UK venues beleaguered by lockdowns and their residual effects, Crowdgate aims to get the events industry in motion again – safely, smoothly and cost-effectively.
With pre-event health screening, Crowdgate’s platform-based Application Programming Interface (API) interface asks attendees to answer health-related questions before allowing them to download their unique QR entry code. On-site, Crowdgate bio-cabins are equipped with mask dispenser, hand sanitiser dispenser with fully customisable LED screen, as well as automatic temperature-checking and facial recognition cameras. Upon completing these steps, attendees register their QR code via Crowdgate’s integrated reader, passing through a turnstile and, finally, through a metal detector.
Crowdguard director Deborah Ainscough said: “It’s crucial to our national economy and the jobs of thousands of individuals in the events industry that venues are able to access solutions which enable them to operate safely and efficiently. Crowdgate has been developed as a proactive means of protecting event attendees from the spread of COVID-19 and from weapons attacks. Because eventgoers must complete each step before proceeding to the next part of the process, Crowdgate ensures that every attendee is properly screened in an automated, controlled and contactless environment.”
A fully scalable containerised health protective and weapons detection solution, Crowdgate’s surface-mounted design allows for temporary or semi-permanent use, and is ideal for events lasting a single evening or several months.
It allows venues to satisfy new, stricter regulatory requirements related to the forthcoming ‘Martyn’s Law’, under which venues will be responsible for incident response plans and exercises, increased training and airport-style security measures. It is also a cost-effective solution, as it allows stewards to look after guests with specific needs on a case-by-case basis, as others smoothly gain entrance to the venue. As a result, fewer on-site personnel are needed to carry out screening and checks, reducing staffing and training costs.