Mobility patterns of the Portuguese population during the COVID-19 pandemic

TL;DR

This study analyzes Portuguese mobility data during COVID-19 to assess social distancing impact, modeling the Rt value and identifying mobility pattern changes to inform public health strategies.

Contribution

It introduces an analysis of mobility patterns and Rt modeling specific to Portugal during COVID-19, highlighting the effects of social distancing measures.

Findings

Rt value dropped from ~3 to ~1 in 25 days

Public transport usage decreased significantly

Mobility patterns changed due to social distancing

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019. Since then, it has spread to several countries, becoming classified as a pandemic. So far, there is no definitive treatment or vaccine, so the best solution is to prevent transmission between individuals through social distancing. However, it is difficult to measure the effectiveness of these distance measures. Therefore, this study uses data from Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports to try to understand the mobility patterns of the Portuguese population during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the Rt value was modeled for Portugal. Also, the changepoint was calculated for the population mobility patterns. Thus, the change in the mobility pattern was used to understand the impact of social distance measures on the dissemination of COVID-19. As a result, it can be stated that the initial Rt value in Portugal was very close to 3, falling to values close to 1 after 25 days. Social isolation measures were adopted quickly. Furthermore, it was observed that public transport was avoided during the pandemic. Finally, until the emergence of a vaccine or an effective treatment, this is the new normal, and it must be understood that new patterns of mobility, social interaction, and hygiene must be adapted to this reality.