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 March 5, 2021, looks at data between January 22 and March 5, 2021.

READ ALSO: Reading School Streets planned in Caversham and off Oxford Road

The data shows there has been an increase in the number of people visiting parks (a 34 per cent increase compared to the baseline).

There are also more people visiting residential areas (a 23 per cent increase).

Fewer people are using public transport such as buses and trains (a 3 per cent decrease compared to the baseline).

Retail and recreation has also seen fewer visitors (a 59 per cent decrease compared to the baseline).

The data comes as schools across England reopened their doors to pupils this week.

Care home residents are also allowed one regular visitor provided they are tested and wear full PPE.