Italian police are using drones to track down citizens who violate one of the strictest coronavirus lockdowns in Europe
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images
Italy has been one of the hardest-hit countries by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 11,000 deaths, the most of any country.
The country has been put on lockdown, and police are now using drones to monitor movement.
The coronavirus outbreak that originated in China has killed more than 39,000 people worldwide and infected more than 803,000, according to recent totals.
As of Tuesday, COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has infected more than 803,000 people worldwide, and has killed more than 39,000.
Italy has more cases than any country except the US, and it leads in deaths with 11,500 recorded. On March 9, Italy was put under a strict lockdown set to last three weeks and be lifted this Friday, although authorities now say it will likely be extended.
Italian police are now using drones to monitor people's movement and make sure that they're following lockdown rules. Take a look.
Italy's lockdown is one of the strictest in Europe.
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images
Source: Business Insider
At first the lockdown only applied to the northern Lombardy region, but the prime minister expanded it to cover all of Italy.
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images
Citizens are required to stay home except for essential work or family reasons, and stores besides grocery stores and pharmacies are closed.
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Only essential travel is allowed, and travelers must sign police documents about their reasons for travel. Police are also stopping cars for checks.
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On March 23, the Italian Aviation Authority approved police requests for using drones for support.
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images
Source: Euronews
Italy also called in its army to enforce the lockdown.
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Drone pilots from the Italian Army Military Corps patrolled near Turin, Italy, on March 28, seen here.
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The drones locate pedestrians and cars still moving around the city despite the lockdown.
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Then, the police receive coordinates so they can track down people who are out and check them.
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The Aviation Authority gave permission to use these drones through the initial lockdown order of April 3, though that could also be extended.
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images
They are specifically for urban areas or smaller populations with increased risk.
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images
Source: Euronews
Drones are restricted to under 25 kg — about 55 pounds — and there are limitations on airspace near airports.
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The Italian Ministry of the Interior tweeted that by March 23, more than 90,000 people and 2,000 businesses had been reported for violating lockdown restrictions. About 60 million people are under lockdown orders in Italy.
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Source: Twitter
One man in northern Italy was reportedly cited for violating lockdown to play "Pokémon Go."
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Source: Business Insider
Italians who break the rules could face up to a $232 fine and even six months in prison.
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Source: CNN
Health officials say that there are signs the lockdown is beginning to work, but that might be a reason to be "even stricter."
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images
Source: Business Insider
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