Google data shows Portsmouth is setting a 'national example' at sticking to the lockdown

TECH giant Google has released data showing how the lockdown has dramatically cut people’s movement around Portsmouth.
South Parade Pier on April 5, 2020. Picture: Habibur RahmanSouth Parade Pier on April 5, 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman
South Parade Pier on April 5, 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman

The company said it was using aggregated, anonymised data from apps such as Google Maps to show the change in activity across the UK.

The reports show the types of places people are visiting, ranging from retail and recreation sites to parks and open spaces. It comes as Britain is in lockdown in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

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Using data from February 16 to March 29 and comparing it with data from earlier in the year, the reports show the number of people in residential areas went up by 15 per cent nationally. In Portsmouth, the number increased by 19 per cent.

An aerial view of Portsmouth Road and the A397 in Cosham, and the M27 and A27 above, from Cosham the morning after prime minister Boris Johnson announced a national lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus. Picture: Mark CoxAn aerial view of Portsmouth Road and the A397 in Cosham, and the M27 and A27 above, from Cosham the morning after prime minister Boris Johnson announced a national lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus. Picture: Mark Cox
An aerial view of Portsmouth Road and the A397 in Cosham, and the M27 and A27 above, from Cosham the morning after prime minister Boris Johnson announced a national lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus. Picture: Mark Cox

Across Portsmouth, workplaces have seen 54 per cent fewer people, and retail areas have seen a decline of 88 per cent.

Nationally, the number of people in workplaces is down 55 per cent, and the number in retail and recreation areas has dropped by 85 per cent.

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The numbers show that Portsmouth residents are continuing to do ‘brilliantly’ at adhering to the lockdown rules, according to Councillor Steve Pitt, deputy city council leader.

Eastney Esplanade on April 5 2020. Picture: Habibur RahmanEastney Esplanade on April 5 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Eastney Esplanade on April 5 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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He said: ‘Let's continue to set a national example, as the stats show we are and be able to say when this is over that we are all even more proud of our city and the way we stuck together and supported each other at a very difficult time.’

But people should not make assumptions when they see people enjoying public spaces, Cllr Pitt added, saying that ‘misconceptions’ about people being outside during the lockdown remained a problem.

He said: ‘One of the big problems at the moment is dealing with misconceptions.

‘That person you see sat on a bench for five minutes might be following doctor's orders to exercise and be just having a short rest.

Data showing the decline of people in various sites across Portsmouth. Picture: Google Maps.Data showing the decline of people in various sites across Portsmouth. Picture: Google Maps.
Data showing the decline of people in various sites across Portsmouth. Picture: Google Maps.
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‘That family who have stopped to briefly sit with their children may not have been out all week and live in a cramped flat with no garden.’

A statement from the American company said it hoped the information could be used by public health officials to combat Covid-19.

The statement added: ‘We have heard from public health officials that this same type of aggregated, anonymized data could be helpful as they make critical decisions to combat Covid-19.

Digital secretary Oliver Dowden said the reports would prove useful to the government in its fight against the virus.

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He added: ‘Google’s publication of Covid-19 mobility reports will help improve our understanding of the impact of the social distancing measures.

‘Using anonymous data in this way is a great example of how we can do that, while continuing to protect people's personal data.’

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