Tracking Global Changes of Human Mobility Behavior and Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant challenges to human mobility behavior worldwide. Our study examines the changes of human mobility behavior across 130 countries and regions during two periods: February 15th to August 15th, 2020 (the reaction period) and January 1st to June 30th, 2021 (the adaptation period). Our findings reveal the following: (1) Global Trends: During the reaction period, there was a notable decrease in human mobility globally, with a corresponding increase in residential behavior. However, during the adaptation period, apart from residential behavior, mobility in the remaining categories increased, particularly mobility in parks; (2) Regional Patterns: All continents experienced significant declines and fluctuations in human mobility behavior during the reaction period. In the adaptation period, Africa demonstrated more stable daily variations in the Fisher Information (FI) dynamic compared to other continents, while Asia showed relatively lower stability, marked by several sharp declines; (3) National Responses: Different countries and regions exhibited varying degrees of adaptation to changes in human mobility behavior. We categorized the 130 countries and regions into different categories based on their responses to these changes. This research aims to offer insights for policymakers in formulating strategies to address future unpredictable events.