Measuring the effect of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) on mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic using global mobility data

TL;DR

This study quantitatively assesses how various government-imposed Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) impacted mobility during COVID-19 using global mobility data, aiding in understanding their effectiveness for better policy decisions.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive analysis of NPI effects on mobility using large-scale global data and statistical models, providing detailed insights into their relative impacts.

Findings

Lockdowns significantly reduced mobility levels.

School closures and business restrictions had strong effects.

Lockdowns and gathering limits affected the rate of mobility change.

Abstract

The implementation of governmental Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) has been the primary means of controlling the spread of the COVID-19 disease. The intended effect of these NPIs has been to reduce mobility. A strong reduction in mobility is believed to have a positive effect on the reduction of COVID-19 transmission by limiting the opportunity for the virus to spread in the population. Due to the huge costs of implementing these NPIs, it is essential to have a good understanding of their efficacy. Using global mobility data, released by Apple and Google, and ACAPS NPI data, we investigate the proportional contribution of NPIs on i) size of the change (magnitude) of transition between pre- and post-lockdown mobility levels and ii) rate (gradient) of this transition. Using generalized linear models to find the best fit model we found similar results using Apple or Google data. NPIs found to impact the magnitude of the change in mobility were: Lockdown measures (Apple, Google Retail and Recreation (RAR) and Google Transit and Stations (TS)), declaring a state of emergency (Apple, Google RAR and Google TS), closure of businesses and public services (Google RAR) and school closures (Apple). Using cluster analysis and chi square tests we found that closure of businesses and public services, school closures and limiting public gatherings as well as border closures and international flight suspensions were closely related. The implementation of lockdown measures and limiting public gatherings had the greatest effect on the rate of mobility change. In conclusion, we were able to quantitatively assess the efficacy of NPIs in reducing mobility, which enables us to understand their fine grained effects in a timely manner and therefore facilitate well-informed and cost-effective interventions.