Google has added a new COVID layer to Google Maps that shows a seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people. This should mean that users can better informed about the numbers of COVID cases in an area, or an area they are considering travelling to.
In addition a label will indicate whether the cases are trending up or down, and colour coding will demonstrate the density of new cases in an area.
Google announced the plans in a blog post here.
The new COVID layer was switched on in the Google Maps app on 30 September. Google says that the trending case data will be visible at the country level for all 220 countries and territories that Google Maps supports.
How to see COVID-19 on Google Maps
Here’s how to switch on the COVID-19 layer.
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap the layer button in the top right (which you would otherwise use to select the desired map view, Default, Satellite, Terrain).
- In the selection menu that then opens, Google Maps will show a Covid-19 Info icon. Tap on it.
- On the map view that is then displayed, you will see the 7-day average of new Covid 19 cases for every 100,000 inhabitants – the so-called incidence value.
- The level of the incidence value will be indicated by a different shade from the following:
How many cases near me?
- Grey: Less than 1 new case per 100,000 inhabitants
- Yellow: 1-10 new cases
- Orange: 10–20 new cases
- Dark orange: 20-30 new cases
- Red: 30-40 new cases
- Dark red: More than 40 new cases
According to Google, the COVID-19 layers should be available for all countries and will be displayed down to the city level, provided the necessary data is available. The infection data comes from, among others, Johns Hopkins University, the New York Times and Wikipedia.
The COVID-10 layers are not yet available but should arrive worldwide for Android and iOS later this week.
Other maps to show COVID cases
The Google Maps update only shows data at a country level – what if you want to see more?
One option is to visit this website. Here you can enter your postcode to see details of positive COVID-19 cases in your area.
Another option is to download the COVID-19 Symptoms Study app ( here) which allows you to report if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms. It will also show you a map of your area indicating how many active cases there are near you.
Here’s what you need to know about using the COVID app in the UK: How to get the COVID app on iPhone and why you should.
Based on an article from Macwelt. Translated by Karen Haslam.