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 September 11 looks at data between Friday, July 31, and Friday, September 11.

The data shows there has been a large rise in the number of people visiting parks (an 84 per cent rise compared to the baseline).

There has also been a rise in visits to residential areas with a 12 per cent increase compared to the baseline.

Visits to workplaces has seen a decline in visits (49 per cent drop compared to the baseline).

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Additionally, fewer people are using public transport (46 per cent less compared to the baseline).

Retail and recreation which comprises of restaurants, cafes and shopping centres has also seen a drop in visitors - a 29 per cent decrease.

The data comes as prime minister Boris Johnson introduced the 'rule of six' this week.

The law means that no more than six people can meet in a group, both indoors and outdoors.

Gatherings of more than six people are now illegal.