China uses drones to spray disinfectant

Drones are being used in parts of China to spray disinfectant and to speak to residents amid an epidemic lockdown, state broadcaster CCTV reported Tuesday.

Officials in China called on people to stay at home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus that has killed 426 people and infected over 20,000 in the country.

Shopping malls, theaters and restaurants in some places have closed to avoid people gathering.

Footage from Hefei in southern China showed a drone being used to spray disinfectant in public areas to control the virus.

In Qingzhou, Shandong province, local police agents flew drones equipped with speakers along streets and in residential compounds to spread epidemic prevention and control policies, according to CCTV.

"Using a drone to speak to residents avoids close contacts between persons. It's a novel way and acceptable among residents," local police agent Zhang Shuangwei told CCTV.