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 to shelter in place and, where possible, work from home.
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The latest COVID-19 Community Mobility Report dated May 7 shows more people in Bracknell are using public transport and heading to parks than they were a month ago.
Figures now show 59 per cent of people (compared to baseline) in Bracknell are heading to use public transport such as bus and train stations.
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However, in April, Google data showed a decline of 71 per cent of people (compared to baseline) using transport services in the borough.
It also showed that retail recreation – which comprises restaurants, shopping centres, theme parks, museums, libraries and movie theatres – saw a 64 per cent decline in visits compared to 75 per cent in April.
Workplaces saw a decline of 70 per cent and grocery stores and pharmacies (15 per cent).
As the lockdown restrictions have been relaxed when it comes to parks and using green spaces, the data shows that less people in April were using them in comparison to May.
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There was a 32 per cent decline in people in Bracknell (compared to baseline) in April visiting and in May, 19 per cent of people (compared to baseline) are visiting.
The mobility data also suggests less people are staying inside, with 29 per cent of people (compared to baseline) in Bracknell at home this month.
In April, residential areas saw an increase of 31 per cent in visits.
Now the relaxed lockdown measures means we can visit parks and drive to them, as many times in the day as we wish and exercise as much as we want.
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