Covid: Google Maps testing new characteristic for information on availability of beds, oxygen

Google on Monday mentioned it’s testing a brand new characteristic in Maps software that allows individuals to ask about and share native data on the provision of beds and medical oxygen in choose places amid large coronavirus surge within the nation.

The announcement comes as part of the tech large’s efforts to assist the reduction efforts amid the lethal second wave of the pandemic.

“We know that some of the most crucial information people are searching for is the availability of hospital beds and access to medical oxygen. To help them find answers more easily, we’re testing a new feature using the Q&A function in Maps that enables people to ask about and share local information on availability of beds and medical oxygen in select locations. As this will be user generated content and not provided by authorised sources, it may be required to verify the accuracy and freshness of the information before utilizing it,” Google mentioned in a weblog submit.

As India witnesses an enormous surge in covid instances, hospitals in a number of states are reeling underneath a scarcity of medical oxygen and beds.

Social media timelines are full of SOS calls with individuals in search of oxygen cylinders, hospital beds, plasma donors, and ventilators.

Google mentioned its groups are targeted on three precedence areas – making certain individuals can entry the newest and most authoritative data; amplifying very important security and vaccination messages; and offering monetary backing for affected communities, well being authorities and different organisations.

Searches on the COVID-19 vaccine shows key data round unintended effects, effectiveness, and registration particulars, whereas treatment-related queries floor steering from ministry assets. On YouTube it’s surfacing authoritative data in a set of playlists, about vaccines, stopping the unfold of COVID-19, and information from specialists on COVID-19 care.

“…we’re using our channels to help extend the reach of health information campaigns. That includes the ‘Get the Facts’ around vaccines campaign, to encourage people to focus on authoritative information and content for vaccines. We’re also surfacing important safety messages through promotions on the Google homepage, Doodles and reminders within our apps and services.”

In addition to exhibiting 2,500 testing facilities on Search and Maps, Google is now sharing the places of over 23,000 vaccination centres nationwide, in English and eight Indian languages, it mentioned.

“And we’re continuing to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to make more vaccination center information available to users throughout India…we’re using our channels to help extend the reach of health information campaigns,” it added.

The firm mentioned it has been operating an inner donation marketing campaign to boost funds for non-profit organisations, together with GiveIndia, Charities Aid Foundation India, GOONJ, and United Way of Mumbai.

This marketing campaign has raised over USD 4.6 million ( ₹33 crore) to this point, and continues to generate much-needed assist for reduction efforts.

Google has additionally rolled out a COVID Aid marketing campaign on Google Pay, whereby individuals can donate to non-profit organisations like GiveIndia, Charities Aid Foundation, Goonj, Save the Children, Seeds, UNICEF India (National NGOs) and United Way in the direction of COVID reduction work.

“As India battles this devastating wave, we’ll keep doing all we can to support the selfless individuals and committed organizations on the front lines of the response. There’s a long way to go—but standing together in solidarity, working together with determination, we can and will turn the tide,” the search large acknowledged.

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