Chinese search giant Baidu is making it easier for people to avoid areas where the new coronavirus has spread. The company released an epidemic map for its Baidu Map app that shows the location of confirmed and suspected cases of the deadly infection in real time.
The map also shows live data on the coronavirus, including epidemic control checkpoints and traffic arrangements. This could help the millions of people in cities that have been locked down to stop the spread of the virus. Other map app makers have also been helping track coronavirus outbreaks. Qihoo 360, China’s biggest cybersecurity company, has an app feature that lets users check if they traveled by train or plane with someone who contracted the virus.
Other developers are also working on projects to tackle problems caused by the disease, which has so far taken more than 600 lives. In the midst of a shortage of face masks, disinfectant and other supplies, a crowdsourced platform has been launched in Hong Kong to track the availability of goods. And even as the virus affects tech companies’ launch events and supply chains, it has boosted the use of technologies like drones and games, among other things.