Blog entry by Bruce McPherson
The speakers can be heard blaring messages like: "Travel is prohibited unless there are exceptional circumstances." or "Please respect the safety distances." Business Insider France / Pixabay
In February, videos of drones flying over Chinese cities and giving orders out to citizens about staying at home or wearing masks flooded the internet.
China, then in a state of emergency, was hit hard by the first wave of the coronavirus epidemic.
A month later, several European countries declared public health emergencies and started imposing lockdowns to limit the spread of the virus.
After Spain began to employ manned loudspeaker drones on March 15, France has been quick to follow.
On Thursday March 19, a drone was seen flying over Nice's city center and main roads at around 2:30 pm, urging people to comply with containment measures.
The speakers can be heard blaring messages like: "Travel is prohibited unless there are exceptional circumstances." or "Please respect the safety distances."
The company responsible for the drones, Drone 06, explains on its website that it specializes in aerial photography using civilian drones.
The private company, based in Nice, offered its services to the region's law enforcement, so there are now small drones flying over the city.
Each drone weighs in at 800 grams (about 1.7 lbs) and measures 30 centimeters (about a foot) in diameter, a company spokesperson told Le Parisien.
According to local publication, Nice Matin, the devices are being trialed in Nice and will then go on to be tested in other towns in the region.
Authorities in the region Nice is situated, Alpes-Maritimes, suggest that lockdown measures have been taken far too lightly in the area.
The use of drones comes with a view to aid law enforcement implement lockdown measures more stringently in days to come.
Access to the beaches in the region will also be restricted, according to a regional announcement made on Thursday, March 19.
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, said: "I am even considering curfew measures."
Megan Bourdon and Ruqayyah Moynihan, Business Insider France