Those not abiding by social distancing rules will now be targeted by WA Police drones, with the aircrafts set to deliver audio warnings to people not adhering to the new restrictions.
The drones are likely to be spotted hovering over public places such as beaches, cafe strips or parks to enforce the rules, which ban people from congregating in groups of more than two people, unless they are family or live together.
Announced by Premier Mark McGowan at a press conference on Monday, the drones will be fitted with flashing lights and sirens to make them highly visible, and will broadcast their public message to a one-kilometre range.
"Today WA Police will be launching drones, capable of deploying to public areas to broadcast messages to large groups of people not adhering to mass gathering or social distancing rules," Mr McGowan said.
"Their primary objective is to reinforce the serious nature of the environment that we are in."
A WA Police spokesperson said the drones would significantly improve communication coverage, and would aid the safety of police officers by reducing their potential exposure to COVID-19 carriers.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
