In recent events, Google reveals that COVID 19 has become one of the most searched topics on Google Search based on a country by mile data which Google collects to record information. By observing this sudden influx and growth in the search term, Google has dedicated a separate information portal on its search platform to provide a more improved search experience to visitors. 

The portal is optimized for both, web and mobile users accordingly. 

The COVID 19 Search Portal has plenty of options for users to gather insights on variable details. It provides every bit of basic as well as useful information (such as what symptoms does the COVID 19 creates, what treatments does the COVID 19 follows, what prevention measures must be taken and so on). Also, one can easily find a number of links and other multiple on-site options to explore further.  

Even though the information portal is very self-explanatory, there are certain features which the portal still lacks. I believe the portal has failed to offer any particular format of creating interactions between the normal users. There exists no form of integration with any renowned social media platforms or communication apps which makes it just another tracking feature on Google. In my opinion, the portal could have a better impact if only it was able to add more tools for offering direct communication. 

Details on the New Portal

One of the many interesting things about the new search portal is that it not only includes search results but also adds many additional links which lead the user to “authoritative information.” Some of the information which the new portal includes are from leading health authorities and updated data.  

In one of her statements written in a blog post, Emily Moxley Google’s Product Manager explains, 

“This new format organizes the search results page to help people easily navigate information and resources, and it will also make it possible to add more information over time as it becomes available,” 

As far as how the search engine is covering the social aspect, it includes links which lead the user to a Twitter carousel belonging to civic organizations present within your vicinity. It also contains a “most commonly asked questions” section which covers enough necessary details related to the COVID 19 pandemic. The information is collectively gathered by the World Health Organization and CDC.

For now, the feature is working in English US but Google will release more language updates soon. 

Other relevant features that the portal contains tips for the US to stay healthy. It also contains official resources, localised resources, information on fundraising efforts, latest statistics, and so on. 

We believe that it is a positive step taken by Google as of now to promote the basic information on the new COVID 19 pandemic. While there is plenty of false news circulating the Internet on various social media platforms, the concerns on whether the info is authentic or not became a major issue. However, with the influx in demand of the right knowledge and correct data, Google took the bold step of putting together an entirely separate information portal to create the necessary awareness. 

This portal has considerably helped to minimize the panic among people. It has managed the load of receiving multiple unwanted calls on different medical health lines. What’s even more worrying was the fact that most people infected with the common flu or pneumonia would often rush to the hospital believing that they too are infected with the novel coronavirus COVID 19. This sudden influx of people reaching out to medical healthcare without identifying the symptoms or taking any precautionary measures was becoming a diabolical threat for the healthcare officials around the world. However, with Google’s new information portal, they have somehow been managed to a considerable extent. 

When it comes to a global pandemic, the Internet is the first place where people turn to. And it’s not just the pandemic but everything else where people usually make the Internet as their last resort for information. When they will be in self-isolation (which they are right now) they are more connected to the Internet than ever. At times as such, they would require a platform that can provide them with the correct information and Google is one such platform which offers it all. 

For now, Google is bringing together as much important information as it can. 

Do you have any updates on how things are changing in the digital stratosphere amid the pandemic? Are there any new developments taking place in the technological world? Feel free to comment.