As a second wave of COVID cases surge, Niantic is re-implementing pro-social distancing changes to Pokémon GO to encourage users to practice safe quarantine behavior.

Back in March 2020, Niantic made some changes to the game as the pandemic continued to worsen. It consisted of shifts to gameplay mechanics and various rewards that encouraged players to avoid large groups. This proved to be a good idea, causing a massive spike in revenue as people played the game from home.

In September, the returned egg-hatching rates and various item effectiveness rates to normal, while keeping gyms and raids remote. 

With the pandemic beginning to worsen again in a second wave of infection cases, Niantic is bringing those “pandemic rates” back into the game, promising to leave them until June 2021 at the earliest.

“We’re continuously monitoring the ever-evolving global situation and are working hard to reschedule previously planned live events to 2021. Health and safety are of the utmost importance. Please stay tuned to our official channels for any rescheduling updates.”

This was probably a wise idea. The pandemic has gone on too long already and people need to remain diligent about social distancing practices. Stay strong, trainers, and stay home.