Google on Monday announced that it will partner with local news publishers to bring local news about the COVID-19 pandemic to its Google News application.
Google is working across their news products to highlight the latest local developments by surfacing more content from local news publishers so that users can understand how the virus is affecting their community.
Daniel Rocha, Director, Engineering, News, said in a blog, “Finding consolidated and trustworthy COVID-19 guidance is challenging. Google News app is piloting a new feature of partnership with local news publishers. We will test this in a few geographic areas in the COVID-19 special section of the app, where users can view community reopening timelines, plus updates about the business and school openings,”
“They can also see the status of the local healthcare infrastructure, public transportation, events, and sections with resources for residents looking for or wanting to help families in need. This feature is available in more than 21 areas ranging from both small and large newsrooms from The Raleigh News and Observer, NOLA.com, CBS Chicago, Oregon Live, and Gothamist,” added Rocha.
He also said that Google News will continue to expand its coverage across the U.S. and Canada, and plan to bring this feature to products beyond the Google News app in the future.