Waze maps now include COVID-19-related information

Waze adds new tools to its map software to help ease users’ journeys during the COVID-19 outbreak. Image: courtesy of Waze via AFP Relaxnews

Google-owned GPS app Waze has announced that COVID-19-related information and critical locations like emergency food distribution locations have been added to its maps.

While Waze, thanks to its community of users and map editors, already displays the latest road and traffic information submitted in real time by people using the application, the maps will now also display relevant COVID-19-oriented info and “critical” locations to make it “easier for drivers to navigate their essential journeys.”

The company partnered with No Kid Hungry and WhyHunger to add tens of thousands of emergency food distribution locations in the United States to the map. Additionally, Waze reached out to their existing partners to gain more insights on how road conditions have changed since the outbreak including further road closures, the locations of medical testing centers and food distribution centers.

What is the Waze Community doing to keep drivers informed during the COVID-19 outbreak? Learn more here: https://t.co/YoJRxkjZbE pic.twitter.com/JWOUeYigag

— waze (@waze) April 15, 2020

To support small businesses, the company has also begun identifying places that offer drive-thru or curbside pickup, so that customers know where they can safely get their essential needs met while avoiding as much contact as possible.

As always, Waze encourages its users to submit map information as they can, especially during a crisis such as this. JB

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