Apple asks COVID-19 testing locations to submit data to show in Maps

Apple Maps will soon show the facilities for COVID-19 testing. In the app, the location of testing centers will be marked with a red medical glyph icon on the screen and an information panel at the bottom of the screen will display the testing facility’s requirements. To add the location data, Apple has also created a portal to allow submission of testing location details.

This feature will be made available for users after medical centers and health care providers register themselves on the company’s health care portal. This free of cost service can be availed by hospitals, laboratories, clinics (private or government), drive-through or parking lot medical camps, and others, to let users know where they can get themselves or others tested.

The procedure for registration is easy. Interested applicants will have to submit their business details and mention if the testing location requires doctor’s referral for testing. or pre-scheduled appointments for testing. The applicants are specifically asked to not to share any personal information. After submission, Apple’s concerned team will vet the application by verifying the location and the nature of the facility, institute or drive through testing site.

The approved the testing locations will appear in Apple Maps app after approval. In Apple Maps, users will see information such as the name, contact number, website and associated healthcare provider of the testing location. In the special banner, the app will also show requirements, if any, of the selected facility, like a doctor’s note or an appointment.

COVID-19 testing locations is another effort by Apple to provide users accurate knowledge and easy access to health care facilities in their vicinities. In this crucial health care crisis, Apple is whole heartily investing time and money into helping the government, health care providers and people to fight this deadly virus. Besides releasing its own digital screening tools, COVID-19 app and website, Apple also helped Stanford Medical Team to develop its app to screen first responders in Santa Clara and Mateo counties in California.