Over the Phone Interpreting in a Time of Social Distancing

The current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is affecting individuals, communities, businesses, medical facilities, and organizations all over the world in severe and significant ways.

The practice of social distancing as a means of limiting public exposure to the virus, has countless businesses and organizations scrambling to adapt to the precautions, calling for people to avoid mass gatherings. Many organizations are setting up employees to work remotely and quickly trying to assess how the outbreak will affect their processes in various capacities.

Organizations and individuals that rely on interpreting services for medical appointments, business meetings, interviews, consultations, and other activities, must find safer alternatives to in-person interpreting as a social distancing precaution.

Over the Phone Interpreting (OPI)

Over the phone interpreting services (OPI) are a great alternative to in-person interpreting. OPI technology provides vetted, high-quality interpreting professionals quickly, securely, and safely through easy-to-use interpreting platforms. OPI technology has advanced significantly in recent years and offers many benefits to organizations.

Easy & Secure Accessibility

You can request interpreting through most OPI platforms via phone, tablet, or computer – and most are fully compatible with Android and Apple devices.

The platform allows the user to conveniently connect to live interpreting professionals on-demand or to schedule services in advance. State-of-the-art OPI platforms use strong, secure connections to ensure a smooth call, every time.

Many OPI platforms offer video remote interpreting services (VRI), allowing video calls with interpreting professionals. This option is great for virtual conferences, webinars, and specific languages like American Sign Language (ASL).

Also, OPI services are typically more cost-effective than in-person interpreting. Most OPI platforms charge by the minute – which means no fees for mileage and no cancelation fees.

Specialty Domains

New OPI platforms allow you to request interpreting professionals that specialize in a specific domain. This feature ensures you access an interpreter with the qualifications and background needed for your call.

Domains include, but are not limited to:

• Business
• Corporate
• Customer Service
• Education
• Emergency Services
• Events
• Federal Government
• Financial Services
• Legal
• Local Government
• Medical
• Medical (non-certified)
• Non-profit
• Personal
• Social Services
• Sports
• Travel/Hospitality

Stay Safe, Use OPI Services

During this critical time, social distancing is an incredibly vital practice to ensure yourself and others’ safety.  Choosing to use OPI services for your interpreting needs promotes social distancing. OPI interpreters work remotely, and the services operate through a device like a phone or a laptop.

If your organization depends on professional interpreting services, make the safe choice, and use over-the-phone interpreting services as an alternative to in-person interpreting.

For more information on over the phone interpreting services, contact Teneo Linguistics Company.

Helpful Links:

• CDC Coronavirus Resources
• CDC Community Mitigation Framework