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When Waze’s app hit the market, they distinguished themselves with up to date traffic information from the public. Given the Google company’s experience with road closures and traffic patterns, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they have taken those skills to help get critical information to those who need it in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Waze’s team got in touch with mapping volunteers and governments to ensure that they could pivot and provide emergency help to the communities they operate in during this difficult time. Now, in 56 countries, Waze users will be able to find the things they need in this trying time.
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In participating communities, Waze is now offering critical information. For those experiencing a health crisis, Waze’s app will now direct them to an open COVID-19 test center. Though most people likely won’t look to their navigation app for healthcare center information, Waze is still offering as much information as they can, including operating hours and a link to the relevant website.
While you shouldn’t be leaving your home, if you must, it can be hard to keep track of what is and is not permitted for general public safety. It seems like every day, a new restriction is added or lifted. Some cities are closing roads from vehicle traffic to accommodate reduced use and to allow residents to walk outside while still respecting social distancing requirements. Luckily, Waze is on top of that information too, showing blocked off streets and closed parking areas. In addition, the app itself is reminding users to only travel for essential purposes. The good news is that Waze reports that they have seen a 60% reduction in miles driven by users. These are the small bits of positive news that give us hope that we will see the other side of this!
Besides the clear health concerns accompanying COVID-19, there are huge economic concerns as well. With the real unemployment rate reaching almost 18% at the time of writing, many families are wondering if they will survive this both physically and economically. Many organizations have geared up to fight hunger such as No Kid Hungry and Why Hunger. These organizations, and others, have called for donations through both their traditional channels as well as through fundraisers by celebrities and late night hosts. There has also been a heartening outpouring of support for local food banks. Waze is helping combat this potential food crisis by working with both national and local organizations and governments to ensure that app users can find the best nutrition relief options for their families near them.
For people who are lucky enough to still have their incomes intact, Waze will soon be helping those find a little comfort during this trying time as well. Instead of the current guessing game of figuring out which restaurants are open and what their low/no contact delivery and pick up options are, soon you will be able to check Waze to figure out dinner. Waze will soon be rolling out badges for restaurants that are still open along with their updated hours and safe pick-up options. These badges will be available for all restaurants, including those who do not currently advertise on Waze.
In these dark times, it is so reassuring to see a company do the right thing to keep us all happy, healthy and safe. Waze is clearly among the companies who understand that this moment is a universal trial for everyone. They are showing all of us what a company’s leadership can look like. A big hats off to Waze and all the mapping volunteers and governments helping to get this critical information to the public.
