Coronavirus Prevention: Police Are Using Drones To Enforce Social Distancing

Even though public health officials worldwide have been recommending social distancing policies and banning huge events to prevent the community spread of COVID-19, it is unfortunate that some people aren’t following it. Spanish authorities used drones connected with microphones to yell at people who aren’t self-quarantining.

Spain officially placed its citizens on lockdown on Saturday evening. But, some people are still continuing to live their lives normally as if COVID-19 hasn’t taken the lives of thousands of people worldwide. Using drones to scold people congregating in the streets can be the only meaningful way to prevent the community spread of the deadly virus.

The idea of ‘flattening the curve’ proves that hospitals will soon exceed its capacity, which will lead to a further increase in the number of people dying. We can prevent this by acting together and avoiding public gatherings.

“Police in Spain have been using drones to check the streets for anyone ignoring Spanish orders to stay home during the coronavirus outbreak. On Saturday, the country’s 47 million citizens were ordered to stay indoors except for necessary trips,” tweeted BBC News (World).

The video posted showed drones being used for this purpose in the country. The footage displayed one officer relaying a warning from health authorities that people should be vacating public parks and go home to stay indoors.

However, it is still more doubtful that police would ever do this in the U.S. Back in January, due to cybersecurity reasons, the U.S. Department of Interior signed a ‘no-fly order’ and officially ground all of its drones, Popular Mechanics mentioned.

Per the World Health Organization's figures, Spain has endured over 7,700 cases and 288 deaths due to coronavirus. The spike prompted the Prime Minister’s government to declare a state of emergency. They have asked the entire nation to remain indoors apart from unavoidable trips- a policy which has already been implemented by Italy, a COVID-19 ravaged country, Business Insider mentioned.

Nearly 50% of Spain’s cases have been reported in the Madrid region, according to the country’s Health Ministry.

“We won’t hesitate to use all the measures we have at our disposal to look out for your safety and everyone’s safety, although some of you will give us a hard time.” the Independent quoted the city’s police department’s tweet.