Apple Maps users will soon be able to use the app to find the nearest official COVID-19 test center

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Apple Maps users will soon be able to use the app to locate the nearest official COVID-19 testing center

  • Apple Maps will soon help users located the nearest COVID-19 testing center
  • Maps will describe the testing center and whether one needs a referral
  • A portal has been set up for hospitals and healthcare providers to join 
  • Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID

By James Pero For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

Apple will soon start directing users to the nearest COVID-19 testing center via its Maps application.

According to a report from 9to5Mac, Apple has already rolled out a portal through which hospitals and other healthcare providers can register their COVID-19 testing center.

After the testing center has been approved, 9to5Mac reports that it will begin showing up on Apple Maps for users searching in the area. The locations will be demarcated using a special icon – a red medical glyph – and a banner.

Apple Maps will now be able to located COVID-19 test centers for people that are worried they may be infected with the virus

In addition to  showing users where the center is on the map, it will also display the location’s name, the associated healthcare provider, the phone number, and a link to the official website. 

More details information includes what type of location the testing is done in, for instance a lab or a hospital, and also whether it’s a drive-thru test site, a building, or whether there’s parking available.   

Pictured: Apple Maps displaying a test center, including where the facility is located, and what type of facility it is

Pictured: Apple Maps displaying a test center, including where the facility is located, and what type of facility it is

9to5Mac reports that Apple is also asking official testing centers to specify whether prospective patients will need a referral to be tested or whether they’re required to call first before arriving. 

The addition to Apple Maps will mirror other tweaks made by fellow tech giants like Google which has updated Google Maps by highlighting restaurants that offer delivery.  

According to 9to5Google, when users open up their Maps app they will now see shortcuts on the home screen that help them find restaurants that are relevant from a delivery standpoint.

Users will be able to order directly through the app if the restaurant supports that functionality, otherwise they will have to use a third-party service or call the restaurant directly.

Google also previously the tech giant tweaked Maps so that if a user searches for a hospital near them, a notification would advice them to call the in advance if they suspect that they’re infected with coronavirus. 

CDC: WHAT IS SOCIAL DISTANCING?

Also called ‘physical distancing,’ according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) it means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.

It’s recommended as COVID-19 cases can spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs.

To practice social or physical distancing, the CDC recommends the following:

  • Avoid large and small gatherings in private places and public spaces 
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others 
  • Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people even when you wear a face covering
  • Avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis 
  • Use mail-order for medications
  • Use grocery delivery service 
  • Work from home
  • Use digital/distance learning