Drones deliver virus advice
SEOUL: Three hundred drones took to the evening sky over the Han River in South Korea to dispense coronavirus prevention advice through a synchronised light display featuring images of handwashing and social distancing.
A horde of pin-point lights lifted into the air in military-like formation before rearranging themselves to form the image of a white mask, with red circles symbolising the virus that has led to nearly 300 deaths in the country.
The 10-minute display also showed images of medical staff in protective suits and messages of support including “#Thankstochallenge” written above a hand cradling a flashing thumbs-up, in reference to a social media campaign encouraging people to express their gratitude to the staff.
The 900g drones employed realtime kinematic satellite positioning with additional antennae to increase accuracy, said the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology, which led the project.
South Korea quickly contained its initial virus outbreak but recently experienced sporadic cases. It reported 63 new cases yesterday.