Oliver Haslam on April 12, 2020, 2:19 am

Apple Maps To Start Showing You Where Nearest Coronavirus Testing Sites Are

Apple has been doing plenty to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. It was one of the first to close its international Apple Stores to help with social distancing, although those in Greater China remain open after already closing earlier in the year.

Now, it’s also going to make it easier to find a coronavirus testing location by surfacing them in the Maps app.

Apple has set up a web portal that will allow health officials and authorities to register as a coronavirus testing site. They’ll then be shown in the Apple Maps app, once Apple has confirmed and approved the entry. That should be enough to prevent anyone from doing anything silly and registering their cousin’s apartment as a testing station.

Those who are looking for a testing station will see a red medical icon in the Maps app. You’ll also see things like the name of the location, contact details, and the associated healthcare provider. You’ll also be able to see whether the location is a drive-thru or similar location.

This follows the news that Apple and Google are working together to make it possible to trace people who may have come into contact with someone who has been confirmed to carry coronavirus. Both companies are bringing technology to bear on a problem that is truly a global one.