UPDATE: April 28, 2020, 4:01 p.m. EDT Users in the U.S. and Puerto Rico can now use Apple Maps to find Covid-19 testing locations.
A couple of weeks ago, 9to5Macreported that Apple Maps was in the process of adding a feature that allowed users to find Covid-19 testing sites from within the app.
On Tuesday, 9to5Mac reported that the tool is now officially live in both the United States and Puerto Rico. Anyone using Apple Maps can now search for where they can get tested for Covid-19 and view nearby locations on the map.
Approved testing locations appear on Apple Maps with a red medical glyph icon. Towards the bottom of the display, the location is specifically labeled as a Covid-19 testing site.
You can see all the standard details of the testing site like its address, phone number, and website, as well as directions on how to get there.
Once Apple approves a testing site, it'll show up right on the map.Credit: brenda stolyar / mashableBut you can also see additional details like the type of site (drive-through, parking lot, or building), along with whether you'll need an appointment or referral.
Apple is currently allowing healthcare providers, hospitals, and other businesses to submit an application for their specific testing locations. Once a location is approved, it'll appear right on Apple Maps.
The portal to fill out an application is currently live. All providers need to do is download the application, fill it out, and email the file to Apple for review.
With the coronavirus outbreak still growing and testing sites popping up little by little, it's tough to keep track of exactly where to access a test. So hopefully, this feature will expand to a lot more countries very soon.
TopicsiOSCOVID-19