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 December 25 looks at data between Friday, November 13, and Friday, December 25.

READ ALSO: Latest Covid-19 figures for Reading

The figures show there has been an 88 per cent drop in the number of people visiting supermarkets and pharmacies.

Similarly, fewer people are using public transport such as trains and buses.

This area has seen a 96 per cent decrease in visits compared to the baseline.

READ ALSO: Covid-19 vaccine: Calculator estimates your place in the queue

More people have been visiting residential areas and there has been a 35 per cent increase compared to the baseline.

Workplaces have seen fewer visitors with a 87 per cent decrease in numbers.

Reading is currently in Tier 4 which means non essential facilities have closed and people are being told to work from home if possible.