Google has announced that it will launch a new “COVID” layer on Google Maps that will show the average number of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in seven days, so users can be better informed of the number of cases in your area, or destination.
In addition, the label will indicate whether the cases are going up or down, and the color codes will indicate the congestion of new cases somewhere.
Google has announced its plans for the blog post.
The new “COVID” layer will be available for the Google Maps app later this week. Google says the data will be displayed at national level in all 220 countries and territories supported by Google Maps.
How to view COVID-19 cases on Google Maps
Here’s how to display the “COVID” layer (as soon as a new Google update has arrived):
1. Open the Google Maps app.
2. Tap the layer button in the top right corner (which you use to choose which view you want: Satellite, Help …).
3. In the menu that opens, Google Maps will show you a sign to get information about COVID-19
4. In the map view shown, you will see the average number of new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people and over seven days, a number called events.
5. The number of events will be displayed in a different tone, as shown below.
How many cases are there near you?
- Gray: Less than 1,000 new cases per person
- Yellow: 1-10 new cases
- Orange: 10-20 new cases
- Dark orange: 20-30 new cases
- Red: 30-40 new cases
- Dark Red: More than 40 new cases
According to Google, the “COVID” layers should be available in all countries and will be displayed at city level, if the data is accessible. Details of the infection come from, among others, Johns Hopkins University, New York Times and Wikipedia.
These layers are not yet available, but should reach worldwide via Android and iOS by the end of the week.
