Mobility in GCC fell drastically amid Covid-19 shut downs, Google data shows
Overall mobility fell by an average of 36.9 percent in the GCC in May, with fewer visits to parks, grocery stores and workplaces, according to new data released by Google.
According to Google data cited by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, the kingdom experienced the least mobility reduction in the region at -21.7 percent, compared to -35.7 percent for the UAE, -36.8 percent for Oman, -39.5 percent for Saudi Arabia and -59.5 percent in Kuwait.
Residential mobility was the least impacted segment, as citizens and residents stayed home during Ramadan, with an average positive growth of 26.8 percent across the Gulf.
The most significant impacts were recorded in transit stations and parks, with average reductions of -60.1 and -53.8 percent, respectively, largely as a result of measures taken across the region to stem the spread of Covid-19.
“I feel very happy about what has been done,” said World Health Organisation regional director Ahmed Al Mundhari. “A lot of states, for example, Gulf countries, they have from day one preparing their system at points of entry in the airports and other points of entry to their country.”
The Google data formed part of the company’s Community Mobility Reports, which show national movement trends in categories including retail, parks, workplaces and transit.
The data shows visitor levels compared to baseline days, representing a pre-Covid value for that day of the week.
