Apple Maps will soon be able to show you COVID-19 testing sites

Those with access to Apple Maps will soon be able to use the app to find COVID-19 testing sites. 

First spotted by 9to5Mac, the tech giant is 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.

Approved testing locations will appear on Apple Maps with a red medical glyph icon. Towards the bottom of the display, the location will also specifically be labeled as a COVID-19 testing site.

Apple posted an image of what the feature will look like on the app, but it’s unclear what additional information will be included.

Judging by the information required on the application, Apple will likely add all the standard details like address, phone number, and website for the testing site.

But providers are also asked to fill out additional details like the type of site (drive-through, parking lot, or building), along with whether you’ll need an appointment or referral. 

So, it’s possible each listing will include the additional information as well, to make the testing process as easy as possible.

While the application is live, it’s unclear as to when Apple users will see these testing sites appear on the app. 

With the coronavirus outbreak still growing and testing sites popping up all over the country little by little, it’s tough to keep track of exactly where and how to access a test. So, hopefully the feature will be up and running very soon. 

We’ve reached out to Apple for comment on more details regarding the feature and an estimated timeline of when it will launch. We’ll be sure to update this story if we receive a response.