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 19, 2021, looks at data between Friday, February 5, and Friday, March 19.

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The data shows there has been an increase in the number of people visiting parks.

This area has seen a 40 per cent rise in visitors compared to the baseline.

Trips to supermarkets and pharmacy's have also increased slightly by 1 per cent.

Fewer residents are using public transport such as trains and buses.

These areas of transport have seen a 66 per cent decrease in use compared to the baseline.

Workplaces have also seen a drop in visits (a 49 per cent decrease compared to the baseline).

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Yesterday marked a year since the first coronavirus lockdown in the UK.

A minute's silence was held at midday and people were encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with phones, candles and torches to signify a candle of hope.