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.

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The Covid-19 Community Mobility Report dated September 27 looks at data between Sunday, August 16, and Sunday, September 27.

The data shows there has been a 54 per cent increase in the number of people visiting parks and a 4 per cent increase in the number of people visiting residential areas.

The number of people using public transport has decreased by 48 per cent compared to the baseline.

Similarly, visits to retail and recreation which comprises of restaurants, cafes and shopping centres has dropped by 40 per cent compared to the baseline.

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Visits to supermarkets and pharmacies has also dropped by 27 per cent compared to the baseline.

The data comes as prime minister Boris Johnson introduced the 'rule of six', as well as other restrictions on 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.