X

Waze pivots to help you locate coronavirus testing, emergency food distribution

It's also working to have up-to-date road closures and red zones on its maps.

corinne-reichert-headshot
corinne-reichert-headshot
Corinne Reichert Senior Writer
Corinne Reichert (she/her) grew up in Sydney, Australia and moved to California in 2019. She holds degrees in law and communications, and currently oversees the CNET breaking news desk for the West Coast. Corinne covers everything from phones, social media and security to movies, politics, 5G and pop culture. In her spare time, she watches soccer games, F1 races and Disney movies.
Expertise News
Corinne Reichert
Waze coronavirus
Waze

During the spread of COVID-19, Waze is providing data and mapping on road closures, red zones, medical testing centers and emergency food distribution centers. Its working with volunteer map editors and governments globally, and also has in-app reminders for local restrictions such as lockdowns and quarantines in 58 countries.

Waze has so far added 30,000 emergency food distribution centers to its US maps after partnering with WhyHunger and No Kid Hungry. 

"Before COVID-19 hit, 37 million Americans were struggling with hunger," Noreen Springstead, executive director of WhyHunger, said. "By integrating our database of tens of thousands of food providers into Waze, we will help serve even more people who are so deeply affected by this national crisis and connect them with one of life's most critical resources: nutritious food."

Waze is also working to help you support local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic by adding a feature to identify food locations with curbside pickup and drive-through options.

Waze users are driving 60% fewer miles, the mapping app said Wednesday. In Italy, driving has dropped by more than 90%.

Uplifting scenes of coronavirus solidarity around the world

See all photos
grahamkates
Watch this: Here's how contact tracing could stop COVID-19
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.