New Google Map Layer Shows COVID-19 Infection Rates

Nicole Wetsman reports on a new layer coming to Google Maps that will allow people to keep track COVID-19 infections while navigating the locations of their lives:

Google Maps will soon include information on COVID-19 spread in states, counties, and some cities. Toggling on the “COVID” layer in the app will show the seven-day average number of confirmed cases in each area per 100,000 people. Areas of the map will be color-coded based on case rate, and a label shows if cases are going up or down. The feature will roll out on Android and iOS this week.

According to a blog post written by Sujoy Banerjee, a Google Maps project manager, the new layer will help people to "make more informed decisions about where to go and what to do."

The new COVID-19 map layer pulls data from Johns Hopkins’ COVID-19 dashboard, The New York Times, and Wikipedia, according to Wetsman. 

"This is one of many pandemic-related features introduced in Google Maps over the past few months — the app also includes alerts about face-covering mandates on public transportation, information about takeout options at restaurants, and warnings to call ahead to a doctor’s office if you think you have COVID-19," adds Wetsman.