ups and cvs last year announced plans to jointly explore the use of drone delivery. the companies successfully completed their first drone deliveries of medical preions from a cvs pharmacy in cary, n.c. in november 2019.

　　“now more than ever, it’s important that our customers have access to their preions,” said jon roberts, executive vice president and chief operating officer of cvs health. “in addition to our in-store pickup, free delivery services and drive through pickup, this drone delivery service provides an innovative method to reach some of our customers.”

　　the new service in the villages in central florida begins in early may under the federal aviation administration’s part 107 rules, with authority to operate through the pandemic and explore ongoing needs as they arise after that period. the operation could expand to include deliveries from two additional cvs pharmacies in the area.