Google data reveals more Fifers tempted into parks despite lockdown

Google data has revealed how Fifers are moving during lockdown

Fifers have been tempted back into parks despite the continuing lockdown – but visits are still below normal levels.

In the second report of its kind, Google used location data to chart trends in people's movement in the home, retail and recreation establishments, grocery stores and pharmacies, public transport hubs, and parks and green spaces.

In Fife, footfall increased in all five of the categories outside of the home in the six weeks to April 5 compared to the six weeks to March 29, and it revealed:

Trips to retail and recreation establishments had been 79% below normal, but have since increased to 78%

Visits to parks and green spaces had been 32% below average, but have since increased to 23%

Footfall in grocery stores and pharmacies had been 38% below normal, but have since increased to 34%

Public transport use, which had been 56% below the baseline, has since increased to 53%

Workplaces had seen a 51% drop, but have since increased to 49%

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-cases-show-steeper-rise-fife-overnight-2541861

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/fife-unveils-exciting-new-online-projects-entertain-lockdown-2540200

Both reports used the five-week period between January 3 and February 6 as a baseline for comparison.

The biggest change was in parks and natural spaces, with politicians and police urging the public to only use outdoor spaces for exercise and not sunbathing or meeting friends.

Across the UK, the Google data shows an increase in footfall in each category outside the home.

The biggest increase in movement was seen in parks where visits rose from 52% below average to 29%.

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