Reminder - Google Maps will tell you how busy a grocery store is

COVID-19

Karens are panicking and hitting up busy grocery stores, increasing their chance of infection. Don't be Karen.

Google Maps, if enough Android phones are in the store, can give you an idea of how busy places are (you'll know if it shows "Live" data as in the screenshot below).

There are huge differences between locations. Co-Op in North Hill is extremely busy. Co-op in Forest Lawn is less busy than a normal Saturday.

MOST stores are NOT busy. Don't believe the people trying to fearmonger. Soap > hand sanitizer. You can wipe your ass with paper towel, kleenex, napkins. Fuck, just hop in the shower.

Use the maps and avoid the crowds:

https://i.imgur.com/DgwIcF5.png

Posted Mar 14, 2020, 7:04 PM UTC · edited

10134
jelacey•

Not a huge fan of this whole timeline

18
BlueTeamBadOP•

I mean, all the Costcos are dead, right now. People took pictures of them lining up this morning, but that's because literally everyone just went first thing this morning. Now there's nobody.

People are creating this panic out of thin air.

16
gamesbeawesome•

Maybe I can finally hit up the food court

5
Codazzle•

Damn! All I wanted was a Polish today but no way in heck was I going anywhere near a Costco! maybe tomorrow then :)

2
BACoburn•

Can confirm. Aside from tp everything well stocked including meat, produce, milk. Lol was kinda chill lot wasn't completely full

4
cirroc0•

Thanks for reminding me to check. Making my run now.

Need some TP? :P

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1
electricsheep12345Chud In Charge•

Drop the fear mongering.

You will get no more warnings.

2
FromCToD•

The only good thing is that technology has advanced where this is a lot better than it would have been 10-15 years ago.

Many more delivery options, news sources, and home entertainment to keep us sane

7
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1
kanyeezy24•

does this work the same way it detects traffic jams? Counts how many cell phones are in the area? or does it use historical data and "guesses"

12
BlueTeamBadOP•

Historical data = blue bars. If there aren't enough phones in the store, it will show only blue bars.

Live data = red/pink bars. Grey bar in the background is normal level of business.

12
kanyeezy24•

ahh good to know thanks

2
BlueTeamBadOP•

I just realized I didn't directly answer your question, but yes, they count phones if they can, if I didn't make that clear.

6
kanyeezy24•

no problem, thanks for the follow up!

1
photoexplorer•

Oh I didnt know that! Thanks!

1
ziggster_Airdrie•

Wow this is awesome information. Just googled a bunch of high traffic businesses and malls, and pretty much everywhere is dead right now compared to historical data. Pretty much a ghost town compared to your regular Saturday. Seems people and being smart at least, and staying home even if it’s terrible for all of the businesses out there.

1
Crippledupdown•

“Man defends local grocery store from panic buyers by using 50 androids taped together”

5
NinjaGrrl23•

Lol, like that guy creating the traffic jams. Haha! Brilliant!

2
TyrannorabbitParkhill•

This is a helpful idea, thanks for this

2
moth_wwCalgary Flames•

Anywhere with sanitizer??

1
BlueTeamBadOP•

Buy aloe gel and 99% isopropyl alcohol.

1/3 aloe 2/3 alcohol. If you want, add something to make it smell nice.

2
Gensmaki•

Where are you getting rubbing alcohol? I need some to clean my windshield wipers but can't find any at superstore/Walmart/canadiantire

2
BlueTeamBadOP•

my b isopropyl alchohol.

1
GoodToKnowYouAll•

Any pharmacy should have it behind the counter

1
FeatherEyes•

70% not 99%

1
BlueTeamBadOP•

You want 60%+ after mixing, I think. So if you start with 70%, you'll be at 46%, no?

1†
FeatherEyes•

That's not how that works

-4
DrunkpanadaSomerset•

Do you know why certain stores have a live bar while others do not? Lack of data?

1
BlueTeamBadOP•

I believe so, yes. But to me - if they don't have enough data, how could it be busy?

2
gamesbeawesome•

Well I know the Beacon Hill Costco didn't have it for the longest time. I wonder when it got added

1
angrycatSpecial Princess•

Karen's are basic bitches who use iPhones, so take that info with a grain of salt.

-4
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-19
BlueTeamBadOP•

That is not true. Stop fearmongering.

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9