Drones are the next technological tool shown to used in Greek beaches to monitor and keep beachgoers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NBC News released a video pointing out how drones are being flown above Greek beaches crowded with tourists, reminding them to maintain their social distancing.
The increase in beach goers comes as the Greek government begins to relax restrictions for their country, along with the heat wave that surged into the mediterranean a few weeks ago, allowing many to swarm the beach and enjoy the sun.
Greek Journalist Niko Efstathiou says that the drones are flying above the Greek beaches equipped with loudspeakers, telling people to keep their distance from one another.
Plexiglass and physical barriers are also being used in Greek beaches to maintain social distancing. One beach bar in Santorini has employed the use of plexiglass walls, with the owner stating that although he doesn’t like it, it must be done to bring tourists back to the beaches.
“We hope these constructions you see are not going to be the future for beaches. We don’t want this, but if this is necessary, and if this is what people’s safety depends on, such a construction or any such construction – we (just) want to work, we want to get going,” said beach bar owner Charlie Chahine.
A dedicated team of people are also making their way around the Greek beaches to disinfect lounge chairs as tourists leave.
In Europe, drones similar to the ones in Greece are being flown to monitor beachgoers.
French drone maker Parrot has donated 5,000 of its motors to be put to use in an open-source ventilator project. Spain was also quick to take to the skies, being the first European country to use agricultural drones to spray disinfectant in various large public areas in response to COVID-19.
