SEOUL (SOUTH KOREA) – Three hundred drones took to the evening sky over the Han River in South Korea to convey coronavirus prevention advice. The way the message was spread captured the attention, as through a synchronised light display, it featured images of hand-washing and social distancing.
A horde of pin-point lights went up into the air in military-like formation on Saturday before rearranging themselves to assume the image of a white face mask, with red circles. It symbolised the new virus which has led to almost 300 deaths in the country.
The 10-minute display, organised by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, also showed images of medical workers in protective suits. It also had messages of support including “#ThanksToChallenge” written above a hand cradling and flashing a thumbs-up. In reference to a social media campaign encouraging people to express their gratitude to health staff.
The Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology, which led the project said the 900-gram drones employed real-time kinematic (RTK) satellite positioning with additional antennae to increase accuracy.
South Korea was lauded for quickly containing its initial outbreak of the coronavirus but has recently witnessed sporadic cases. Recent cases were reported from small gatherings at religious facilities and door-to-door sales practices outside Seoul.
Asia’s fourth-largest economy reported 63 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, 33 of which were imported.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.