Google Maps’ new layer shows Covid-19 case trends in an area

Google’s new tool will help you check Covid-19 cases in area before you visit. Here is how the new Covid-19 overlay works on Google Maps.

Google Maps can now overlay how COVID-19 cases are trending (HT Tech)

Google is working on a new Google Maps feature that will show Covid-19 case trends in an area. Google says the Covid layer in Maps will help you make more informed decisions about where to go and what to do.

When you open the Google Maps application, you need to tap on the layers button that appears on the top right-hand corner. Here, you need to tap on the “Covid-19 info.” The layer will show you a seven-day average of new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people for the area on the Maps.

Google has also added colour codes to make it easier for users to determine the density of cases in a specific area. Google says the trending case data is visible for all the countries that Google Maps supports. This data includes state, county, and even city-level data where available.

Covid-19 overlay preview (Google)

Covid-19 overlay preview (Google)

Google further explains that the Covid-19 layer on Google Maps sources data from agencies such as Johns Hopkins, the New York Times, and Wikipedia which get their data from credible sources such as the WHO, governments, and local health agencies. Google pointed out that some of this information is already available on Google Search and is now getting expanded to Google Maps.

“More than one billion people turn to Google Maps for essential information about how to get from place to place–especially during the pandemic when safety concerns are top of mind. Features like popular times and live busyness, Covid-19 alerts in transit, and Covid checkpoints in driving navigation were all designed to help you stay safe when you're out and about,” said Google in a blog post.

Google Maps' Covid-19 layer will start rolling out worldwide on Android and iOS this week.