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.

The Covid-19 Community Mobility Report dated February 2, 2021, looks at data between December 22, 2020, and February 2, 2021.

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The data shows more people are visiting parks - an area which has seen a 13 per cent increase in visitors.

More people are also visiting residential areas (a 25 per cent increase compared to the baseline).

Fewer people are visiting workplaces (a 61 per cent decrease compared to the baseline).

Public transport including buses and trains are also being used less by people.

This area of transport has seen a 75 per cent decrease in users.

Fewer people are visiting supermarkets and pharmacies (an 18 per cent decrease compared to the baseline).