Drone deliveries help elderly Chileans
The elderly in Chile's remote coastal town of Zapallar are literally looking to the skies for their medications -- thanks to a pilot drone delivery program headed by the local officials.
The heavy-duty drones are loaded in the city center with a bag of supplies, then delivered to elderly residents -- among the most vulnerable amid social distancing.
Operated by remote control, residents are welcoming their essential items with open arms.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) UNIDENTIFIED ELDERLY WOMAN AND LOCAL RESIDENT WHO RECEIVED MEDICINE AND SUPPLIES SENT BY DRONE SAYING:
"I find it wonderful that the drone comes to bring us the medicine, which is a primary necessity for us."
While the town's posh coastline is an escape for Santiago's rich and famous, its interior is poorer and isolated.
Mayor Gustavo Alessandri says the town's pilot program is designed to keep the elderly and poor, many of whom lack transportation, out of harm's way and healthy during this unprecedented time.
