ups (nyse:ups) and cvs health corporation (nyse:cvs.n) today said ups subsidiary ups flight forward (upsff) will use drones to deliver preion medicines from a cvs pharmacy to the villages, florida for the largest u.s. retirement community, home to more than 135,000 residents. the service will use matternet’s m2 drone system.

　　drone transport offers a fast delivery option for medicines that are time-sensitive, while supporting social-distancing efforts. drone delivery options provide individuals with a convenient alternative to visiting a pharmacy. this program can also help prioritize the protection of our healthcare heroes.

　　“our new drone delivery service will help cvs provide safe and efficient deliveries of medicines to this large retirement community, enabling residents to receive medications without leaving their homes,” said scott price, ups chief strategy and transformation officer. “ups is committed to playing its part in fighting the spread of coronavirus, and this is another way we can support our healthcare customers and individuals with innovative solutions.”

　　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.