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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 Senior Editor
Corinne Reichert (she/her) grew up in Sydney, Australia and moved to California in 2019. She holds degrees in law and communications, and currently writes news, analysis and features for CNET across the topics of electric vehicles, broadband networks, mobile devices, big tech, artificial intelligence, home technology and entertainment. In her spare time, she watches soccer games and F1 races, and goes to Disneyland as often as possible.
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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

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