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.

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The Covid-19 Community Mobility Report dated August 30 looks at data between Sunday, July 19, and Sunday, August 30.

The data shows there has been a rise in the number of people visiting residential areas (three per cent increase compared to the baseline).

There has also been a large rise in the number of people visiting parks (66 per cent increase compared to the baseline).

Fewer people have been visiting workplaces with an 8 per cent decrease compared to the baseline.

People are also using public transport less (a 43 per cent decrease compared to the baseline).

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Retail and recreation - which comprises of restaurants, cafes and shopping centres - has seen a 26 per cent drop in visitors compared to the baseline.