Google and Apple Maps update apps to focus on takeaway, food deliveries and hospitals amid coronavirus lockdowns

Menus updated to reflect fact that restaurants and bars have shut

Andrew Griffin
Wednesday 08 April 2020 14:47 BST
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A person looks at a Google Earth map of Venice, Italy on a screen as Google Earth unveils the revamped version of the application April 18, 2017 at a event at New York's Whitney Museum of Art
A person looks at a Google Earth map of Venice, Italy on a screen as Google Earth unveils the revamped version of the application April 18, 2017 at a event at New York's Whitney Museum of Art

Apple and Google Maps have been reflected to reflect the changes that have come with coronavirus lockdowns around the world.

Both apps have dropped their focus on restaurants and bars and instead will highlight the services that are needed by those living through the pandemic, from hospitals to takeaway food.

The changes mean that both apps show businesses that are offering healthcare services, delivery food and grocery stores at the top. Previously, those might have shown restaurants.

On Google Maps, the app will show a series of filters at the top of the page. Clicking on any of those – which now include "delivery" and "takeaway" – should search for all the places nearby, and extra information can be added in the search bar.

Neither app can give fully complete information on all businesses that are open or have been closed by coronavirus. As such, the map may not necessarily show everywhere that is offering delivery and takeaway, and vice versa.

Google Maps changes have been more extensive. As well as changes to the priorities of how it lists places, it has also alerted users about when a certain business has closed or changed its opening hours in response to the outbreak.

It had already made changes to its platform in response to the pandemic. Last month, it alerted users who were searching for healthcare facilities that they should call ahead rather than arrive in person, in line with social distancing guidelines.

The changes to both apps appear to be rolling out on various platforms now.

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