Google Maps To Give Commuters Coronavirus-Related Alerts When Traveling

Google has updated Google Maps to provide users with relevant Coronavirus-related information they might need while they travel to different places.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic forced people everywhere to stay home for their own safety. Now that the world is starting to slowly open up and allow people to go out and go places, Google wants its Maps app to be an even more helpful tool, especially in today's situation.

In a blog, Google's Product Management Director for Google Maps, Ramesh Nagarajan, announced that the company's navigations app will provide people with important information they might need as they go out. Google Maps will now alert people of the following:

COVID-19 restrictions on routes

Users who look up public transit directions for a trip that will likely be affected by COVID-19 restrictions will receiving relevant alerts from local transit agencies. These alerts will inform users if, for example, the place they are planning to go to will require them to wear masks in public transportation, or if local government mandates are affecting transit services.

Google said this feature is rolling out in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, France, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and the U.S., with more locations coming soon.

COVID-19 driving alerts

Those who are driving to certain locations, such as those that require crossing borders, will also be alerted of other COVID-19 restrictions and related things such as COVID-19 checkpoints. Users with routes impacted by such restrictions will see alerts on the directions screen and after starting navigation. This feature will start in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

COVID-19 testing center requirements

Those who are going to COVID-19 testing centers will be receiving alerts reminding them to verify eligibility and facility guidelines so they won't be turned away upon arrival. This feature is also seen to help prevent additional strain on the local healthcare system.

Google said alerts for medical facilities will be available in Indonesia, Israel, the Philippines, South Korea, and the U.S. starting this week. Testing center alerts will be available for U.S. users starting this week as well.

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Google added that it is now globally rolling out a few features it introduced earlier, such as crowdedness predictions for public transit, and transit insights that provide details such as temperature, accessibility, onboard security and designated women's sections where available.