Google Maps to alert users about COVID-19 related travel restrictions

Team Grasshopper 09-06-2020 11:24 AM News

Google is adding a new update to its Maps services. The Maps would not just warn us about the traffic but also alert us about the COVID-19 related travel restrictions. It would help the user plan their trips better and help them avoid stumbling upon restricted areas on the journey.

Google Maps service has helped users always in finding the way in a new city and pick the right route for the journey. It has saved many of us from almost getting stranded, finding their way to a new restaurant, public spot, etc. And now with this new feature, we can ensure that our trip goes uninterrupted even with travel restrictions in certain areas.

Special features added by Google for Maps services

Google told the news that this feature would also update the user how crowded a train station might be at a particular time. They can also check if buses on a certain route are running for a limited time. The company also added that these transit alerts will be introduced in Argentina, France, India, Netherlands, the US and the UK among many other countries.

This new COVID-19 alert feature would also include details on the checkpoints and the cross border restrictions, starting with the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Google has analysed data from 131 countries

Google revealed that in the past months the company has been analysing location data from the Google users’ phones in 131 countries. They were examining the mobility under lockdown and also helping health authorities assess if people were following social distancing and other rules and restrictions set by the Governments to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Google Maps is visited by over 1 billion people per month for its free and accurate navigation.