How to Track COVID-19 Trends on Google Maps
I was really hoping that Google’s latest Google Maps integration would allow you to see COVID-19 cases emerge and spread on a giantPlague, Inc.- style map. Alas, it doesn’t have to be, but at least you can now see COVID-19 trends right on Google Maps.
(And no, it shouldn’t be used to help you plan escapes to areas with fewer sick people, because you have to stay at home and be safe like any other smart American.)
First, make sure your Google Maps app is up to date on your Android or iOS / iPadOS device . Launch the app, tap the layers icon in the upper right corner of the screen (which looks like superimposed squares) and select COVID-19 Information from the screen that appears:
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find this information in the browser version of Google Maps (for those who prefer to worry at home rather than on the road). But you still have many other options to track COVID-19 cases in your area, including Johns Hopkins University tracking / maps , “covidmapping” Reddit’s Mashup , the 1Point3Acres case maps , and (admirably named) ” Infection2020 ” cards, to name a few.
When Google’s implementation becomes available to everyone – it is still rolling out at the time of this writing – you will be able to see seven-day averages of COVID-19 cases for “all 220 countries and territories supported by Google Maps, as well as state or provincial data. , counties and cities, if available, ” writes Google . COVID trends can be easily identified and color-coded, which is helpful if you just need a quick visual reminder that your home lawn is getting better (or worse).
While a little more information won’t hurt anyone, I wouldn’t count on this new needle-moving feature for those who refuse to wear masks. You can put a big fat “you stupid” on their house on Google Maps and they would just wave at him friendly when they go on a mini vacation with their friends.
Stay safe; stay alert. Tell foolish people that their wrong decisions unnecessarily endanger our whole lives. And please don’t use Google data to plan a quick trip to a “safer” location. You are better than this.