The effects of physical distancing on population mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

Thomas M Drake,Annemarie B Docherty,Thomas G Weiser,Steven Yule,Aziz Sheikh,Ewen M Harrison

doi:10.1016/s2589-7500(20)30134-5

Abstract

The effects of physical distancing on population mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

Highlights

In an attempt to reduce the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an estimated 4·5 billion people globally have been placed under some form of lockdown restriction
Observational evidence suggests that rather than fatigue, the practicalities of daily living are leading some people in the UK to increase activity as their supplies decrease.[1,2]
These observations are important because a key modelling study of mitigation strategies for reducing transmission in the UK assumed a 75% reduction in contacts as part of a social distancing strategy that was subsequently implemented;[3] whether this level of reduction is being achieved remains unclear

Summary

Introduction

In an attempt to reduce the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an estimated 4·5 billion people globally have been placed under some form of lockdown restriction. Other providers have started to publish mobility data too, including Apple, these data do not provide information on the type of mobility (ie, residential, in a park, or a workplace).

Results

Conclusion