GOOGLE mobility data shows there has been a huge rise in the number of people visiting parks in Reading recently.
Google uses 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 Thursday, May 13, looks at data between Thursday, April 1, and Thursday, May 13, 2021.
The data shows there has been a 126 per cent increase in visits to parks compared to the baseline.
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King's Meadow park in Reading
Trips to supermarkets and pharmacy's has increased slightly (a 6 per cent rise compared to the baseline).
Fewer people have been using public transport such as trains and buses in Reading.
This mode of transport has seen a 60 per cent drop in visitors.
However, more people are visiting residential areas. These areas have seen a 16 per cent rise in visitors.
Yesterday lockdown restrictions eased across the country as the government rolled out Step 3 of the lockdown roadmap.
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Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants were allowed to reopen as were indoor entertainment venues like cinemas and children's play areas.
Most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors were lifted, but gatherings of more than 30 people outdoors will remain illegal.
Indoors, people will be able to meet socially in a group of 6, or with one other household.
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