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 September 21 looks at data in Reading between August 10 and September 21.

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The data shows a 40 per cent decrease, compared to the baseline, in residents visiting places of retail and recreation, such as restaurants, cinemas and shopping centres.

It also revealed a decrease in supermarket and pharmacy shopping by 27 per cent, compared to the baseline.

Statistics also showed a 48 per cent decrease in public transport use and a 49 per cent decrease in time spent in workplaces, compared to the baseline.

Data did show an increase in open areas however, such as a 54 per cent increase in places like national parks, public beaches, dog parks, plazas and public gardens. This is compared to the baseline level.

It also showed that residents are spending an increased amount of time at home, compared to the baseline, by an additional 14 per cent.

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The data comes as prime minister Boris Johnson introduced the 'rule of six', as well as other restrictions of social gatherings and travel.

The law means that no more than six people can meet in a group, both indoors and outdoors.

Gatherings of more than six people are now illegal.