Google Maps brings COVID-19-related updates to navigation

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While the world is at war with COVID-19 Google decided to step in with helping the citizens.

In a blog post, the company revealed that Google Maps will now provide information and prompts about disruption in public transport, border checkpoints, and COVID-19 testing centers.


Users in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, France, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, and the US will receive a message saying public services might be suspended. That appears on the navigation page when the option for Public Transport is selected. Some countries decided to reduce the running trains and buses to help drive home the message to stay home and limit the exposure of the essential workers.


Users in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will be receiving driving alerts when crossing international borders. Google Maps will remind that there might be restrictions and the user should check for themselves whether an entry in the country is possible at the border point.


Navigation to medical facilities is another feature that is coming with a change - now Google Maps says that not all medical centers can test for COVID-19, directing you to the right place depending on your medical condition.


Google Maps busyness and crowdness features

Google is also rolling out internationally a new feature that shows you how crowded a line or a station is. This should help you to plan your trip accordingly and avoid massive gatherings when possible.

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