Google Maps Shows Distribution Of Areas Affected By COVID-19

Distribution of COVID-19 patient maps (doc. Google Maps)

JAKARTA - As the number of COVID-19 spread around the world increases, Google Maps has the initiative to display the latest data from an area affected by the corona virus. This allows users to be more vigilant in the midst of a pandemic situation.

To quote Digital Trends, Thursday September 24th, this feature is meant to help people decide more precisely where to go and what to do, based on spikes in the areas they plan to travel to.

Named the Covid Layer, this feature will show the distribution of the area and how many cases of the new corona virus are in one area. The data shown comes from information for the past seven days in an area exposed to COVID-19.

If an area shows a red color, then there is a spike in cases there. The tool shows the average new corona virus cases per 100,000 people in 220 countries and territories.

Users can even view state or province-specific, county and city level data where available. Not only that, users can also click on “COVID-19 Info” to view data in their own region

To use the new feature, users need to click on the layer icon, which looks like a layered box, located below the search and business suggestions box on the right.

Display Covid Layer on Google Maps (doc. Google)

Where does Google get this data? Yes, this technology giant admits that it is working with Johns Hopkins, the New York Times and Wikipedia. This new feature will be available for Android and iOS devices starting this week.

Google Maps has also introduced many tips to prevent COVID-19 over the past few months. This includes displaying suggestions when looking for a doctor or medical facility, and a notification reminding users to wear a mask before leaving home.

The navigation app also updated its Support Pages for local business owners this past March, and warns of updating their current working hours. It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many businesses to close or reduce their operating hours.