Google has released a new location data report to show how people’s movements have changed since the Covid-19 outbreak in Ireland.
The information, gathered anonymously, reveals how Donegal residents have altered their movements in recent weeks to adhere to social distancing rules and to stay at home.
There has been an 81% fall in people travelling to ‘Retail and Recreation’ locations in Donegal. This includes shopping centres, cinemas and restaurants but excludes grocery stores and pharmacies. Supermarket and pharmacy visits are down 39% in the observed period between 16th February to 29th March.
There has also been a 49% drop in travel to outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches and gardens.
Travel to workplaces is down 47% as businesses close and as employees work from home where possible.
Public transport is also being avoided, as the data shows 56% less visits to transit stations and hubs such as bus stops.
The data was gathered from services such as Google maps and from users who have opted to allow the company to examine their location history.
Google Mobility Report: 29th March 2020
The percentage changes were calculated based on travel between 12th February and 29th March 2020 compared to a median reading for the five-week period from January 3rd to February 6th.
Google has stated that the figures should not be used for official government business or to compare regions, but rather to help people understand responded to social distancing guidance related to COVID-19.
