This article was originally written for TheNintendoVillage.com, a website I founded and ran from 2018 to 2021.

Catching Pokémon might not be your highest priority during a viral pandemic, but Niantic are nevertheless taking steps to ensure you can carry on playing Pokémon GO without wandering around outside.

In a statement issued to Polygon, the developer have announced a number of measures that prioritise “updates to Pokémon GO features and experiences that can be enjoyed in individual settings.”

Incense packs, which increase the frequency with which Pokémon show up, are being discounted by 99% and will also last an hour. Incubators will hatch eggs twice as fast too, and PokéStops will be dropping gifts twice as often. Habitats have also been increased so you should be able to see more monsters without straying too far from your house.

Encouraging players not to be too cavalier with their health, Niantic said:

“While we’ve made these updates based on the current global health situation, we also encourage players to make decisions on where to go and what to do that are in the best interest of their health and the health of their communities.”

Sound advice.

Source: Polygon