Many experts agree that widespread testing is a key tool in the fight against COVID-19. That's why we're working with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and MyGov to help people find local COVID-19 testing centres on Google Search, Assistant, and Maps.
When making a coronavirus-related search (eg. "coronavirus testing"), people will now see a 'Testing' tab on the results page providing a list of nearby testing labs along with key information and guidance needed before using their services. This includes government-mandated requirements such as:
- Calling the national or state helplines before heading out to get tested
- Carrying a doctor's prescription (referral required)
- Testing restrictions (tests are limited to certain patients)
- Information about whether the lab is government- or private-run.
Search for 'Covid 19 testing' to see nearby authorized test labs, along with key recommendations (images are representational)
On Google Maps, when people search for keywords like "covid 19 testing" or "coronavirus testing" they will see a list of nearby testing labs, with a link to Google Search for the government-mandated requirements.
Search for 'Covid 19 testing' on Maps to see a list of nearby testing labs, with a link to Google Search for testing requirements (image representational)
While this experience is designed to help people find authorized testing centers near them, it's important to follow the recommended guidelines that help determine testing eligibility before visiting. Tapping the 'Learn more' link leads to authoritative information from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
So far we have integrated over 700 testing labs on Search, Assistant, and Maps spanning more than 300 cities, and we continue to work with ICMR as we surface more labs across the country. This experience is available in English and in eight Indian languages -- Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, and Gujarati.
We hope these new experiences play a part in helping people as well as healthcare workers as we collectively work toward overcoming this pandemic.
Posted by Jayant Baliga, Product Manager, Google Maps