Taking a step towards the country’s fight against Coronavirus, global tech giant, Google, revealed the testing of new features to help in the search for COVID-19 hospital beds and oxygen. By Bayar Jain
Google is well-known for introducing new features at a time of crises. The raging pandemic in India is one more such instance when the American multinational technology company is stepping up; this time, by amping up its searching capabilities. Taking to their official blog to reveal the new features, Google is currently undergoing a pilot project which—when functional—will allow one to seek and share information on the availability of hospital beds and medical oxygen using Google Maps. As per the blog post, a question-and-answer format will be rolled out on Maps to facilitate easy search. However, noting that the same will be entirely user-generated, the information’s accuracy would need to be self-checked before utilising it.
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Notably, this isn’t the only step the California-headquartered company has taken to curb the spread of COVID-19. Currently, Google’s various platforms relay authorised information panels on the scientific and general developments regarding the pandemic. This ranges from vaccine efficacy, registration processes, prevention tips, and the likes. On its video platform, YouTube, set playlists by experts on similar topics have been introduced. Safety messages and answers to queries through promotions on the site’s homepage, signature Google Doodles, and app reminders are also being relayed as a part of the larger Get The Facts campaign.
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To facilitate easy vaccinations and testing, Google is currently “sharing location of over 23,000 vaccination centres nationwide, in English and eight Indian languages”, states the blog. Plus, apart from internally-run donation campaigns—which has reportedly raised close to INR 33 crore to date—in partnership with NGOs, they’ve even rolled out a COVID Aid Campaign on its digital wallet platform, Google Pay. With this, users can contribute to organisations like GiveIndia, Charities Aid Foundation, Goonj, Save the Children, Seeds, UNICEF India (National NGOs) and United Way.
Editor’s Note: Keeping the current situation of the pandemic in mind, T+L India recommends every reader to stay safe, and take all government-regulated precautions in case travel at this time is absolutely necessary. Please follow our stories on #IndiaFightsCorona for all the latest travel guidelines.
Related: #IndiaFightsCorona: A State-wise Guide On How To Find Vacant Hospital Beds In India
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