Microsoft Bing launches Covid-19 tracking map
The new website allows users to track the number of cases around the world, as well as news linked to that region.
Microsoft’s Bing search engine has launched a new interactive map which allows users to track the number of cases of Covid-19 around the world.
The map uses data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
The map displays cases globally but also allows users to view cases by country and see recent news stories and videos from that region.
The map updates regularly in order to provide up-to-date information to those viewing the tracker.
In a statement, Microsoft said: “To provide people quick and easy ways to find the information they need during this time, we are aggregating data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), among other authoritative sources, into accessible experiences across MSN and Bing.”
The website also enables users to click through to search results for the latest news on the outbreak, as well as links to the NHS website, official government advice and other health organisation websites.
The new tracking website comes as the public is being warned to watch out for false guidance about coronavirus online.
Technology firms have also taken steps to try and tackle misinformation.
A cross-Government counter-disinformation unit has been set up in a bid to deal with the potential extent, scope and impact of misleading and false details.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport-led team will engage with social media companies to monitor interference with the aim of limiting the spread of coronavirus-related fake news.
Official NHS guidance is now also being displayed at the top of internet search results as part of a crackdown, as well as at the top of searches on Facebook and Twitter.
