After working with Apple on a coronavirus contact-tracing system, Google is lending the world another helping hand with a slew of new features seeking to aid folks embarking on trips outside of the home.
In an official blog post released earlier this week, Google Maps' product management director Ramesh Nagarajan announced the series of updates, which vary in scope and territory. People in the United States will benefit from transit alerts, receiving information about "government mandates that impact transit services or require you to wear a mask on public transportation."
If previewing a trip that will get you across the border, Google Maps will notify you of "COVID-19 checkpoints and restrictions along your route." The notifications will be visible both on the directions screen and while navigating.
If heading to a testing center or medical facilities, the app will remind you of eligibility norms and facility guidelines "to avoid being turned away or causing additional strain on the local healthcare system."
Although some of these updates will roll out in other countries as well—including France, India, Mexico, the U.K., Israel and the Philippines, for example—the United States is the only nation that will have instant access to all of them now. All you need to do is download the latest Google Maps update on your device.
As usual, thank you Google.
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