National Health Service (NHS) are set to use non-military drones to courier COVID-19 samples, blood tests and personal protective equipment between hospitals in England, reported the Guardian. The trail, backed by a £1.3m grant from the UK Space Agency, is expected to establish a network of air corridors for electric drones.

The Guardian report said that the remote-controlled drone will fly between Essex’s Broomfield hospital, Basildon hospital and the Pathology First laboratory in Basildon. The drone will be piloted by an ex-military fast jet or helicopter instructor.

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“Covid-19 has highlighted challenges in NHS supply chain logistics. We are confident that by setting up a medical drone delivery service, we’ll be able to fly samples to labs more regularly, reliably and quickly, helping improve patient health outcomes,” the Guardian quoted Christopher Law, founder of healthcare drone startup, as saying.

The drone is designed to fly at 300ft (90m) above ground and withstand harsh weather conditions.

The use of drones comes in the wake of the UK government’s announcement that they will be able to carry out 1million tests a day by Christmas.

London and its bordering county of Essex on Saturday moved to Tier 2 ‘high’ risk level of restrictions, owing to rising infection rates.

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The tougher measures in Tier 2 impose a ban on mixing between different households indoors – in homes and pubs, bars and restaurants – along with the Tier 1 “rule of six” on outdoor gatherings, AFP reported.

Businesses and venues can continue to operate under COVID-secure conditions within these restrictions, however, those selling food or drink on their premises will be required to close between 10 pm and 5 am.