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.

The Covid-19 Community Mobility Report dated May 1, 2021, looks at data between March 20 and May 1.

The data shows there has been a rise in the number of people visiting parks.

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This area has seen a 43 per cent increase in visitors compared to the baseline.

More people have also been visiting supermarkets and pharmacy's (a 4 per cent rise in visits).

Fewer people have been using public transport such as buses and trains.

This area has seen a 49 per cent decrease in visitors compared to the baseline.

A lot of people are still working from home and figures show there has been fewer people visiting workplaces.

This area has seen a 12 per cent drop compared to the baseline.

Fewer people have also been visiting retail and recreation.

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This has seen a 37 per cent drop in visitors compared to the baseline. 

The data comes as Boris Johnson is expected to announce the next stages of easing lockdown restrictions in the next week.

The Prime Minister will update the nation at least one week before the third stage of the lockdown roadmap is given the green light including plans for resuming foreign holidays.

READ MORE: When Boris Johnson could announce next lockdown update - including holiday rules

Mr Johnson said he expects there to be “some openings up” on 17 May, when a new risk-based traffic light system is due to be introduced for international travel.