GOOGLE is using location data gathered from phones to help public health officials understand how people’s movements have changed in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

The reports use data from people who have opted in to storing their location history with Google to help illustrate the degree to which people are adhering to government instructions to shelter in place and, where possible, work from home.

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Below shows the figures for Reading, including the drop in use of public transport, parks, grocery locations, retail stores and workplaces.

The latest COVID-19 Community Mobility Report, dated May 7, show that, in comparison to baseline figures, there is still a decrease of 81 per cent when it comes to use of public transport.

Reading Chronicle:

PIC: GOOGLE DATA

A drop of only 5 per cent can be seen with use of parks, figures for which has changed frequently since lockdown.

During late March, a drop of around 50 per cent can be seen in this category, meaning the amount of people using parks has risen back up in the past couple of months since lockdown began.

Analytics showing people using grocery and pharmacies show a 15 per cent drop - a rise from mid-April, which saw a decrease of around 75 per cent.

Those using retail and recreation remain at a similar amount throughout the start of lockdown until the most recent analysis, with a drop of 76 per cent compared to the baseline level.

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Workplace

According tot he Google Data statistics, there is still a drop of 70 per cent of people using their workplace when compared to a baseline figure.

The most significant drop in this area was seen in mid-April, when less than 80 per cent of people were using their place of work compared with typical figures.

Homes

As people are advised to stay inside when they can, a steady increase of those in their homes can be noticed.

The Google Data reveals that time at residential locations has seen an increase of 30 per cent since lockdown, with a similar figure showing throughout the period and maintaining until May 7.

Changes to government guidelines on lockdown, announced earlier this week, means parks can now be driven to and many car parks have been reopened.

Outdoor exercise is also permitted as many times in one day as people wish - relaxation from the 'one outdoor exercise per day' rule which came into effect when lockdown officially started in March.