{"id":139494,"date":"2021-04-15T15:47:05","date_gmt":"2021-04-16T01:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=139494"},"modified":"2021-04-15T15:47:05","modified_gmt":"2021-04-16T01:47:05","slug":"covid19-spike-reflect-increased-mobility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2021\/04\/15\/covid19-spike-reflect-increased-mobility\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 spike may reflect increased mobility, nearing pre-pandemic levels"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"buildings<\/p>\n

A recent spike in COVID-19 cases may be attributed to more Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> residents not staying at home and gathering in public areas, according to a recent report by the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Economic Research Organization<\/a> (UHERO<\/abbr>).<\/p>\n

Despite progress in vaccinations, Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> has undergone a rise in new infections with recent cases concentrated among younger, unvaccinated individuals. On April 3, the seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases hit a peak of 117 new daily cases and has since declined slightly.<\/p>\n

A new mobility report by UHERO<\/abbr> shows 27% of residents are staying completely at home on a given day in early April 2021, only 7% more than pre-pandemic levels. During infection peaks in March and August 2020, 40% remained at home.<\/p>\n

The mobility data<\/a> allows for a comparison across islands and neighborhoods. Maui has undergone a steep decline in the share of residents staying at home, which correlates with the timing of rising infections.<\/p>\n

Foot traffic in public areas<\/h2>\n

Information is also provided on foot traffic at various locations relative to normal levels. The number of people dining at restaurants has recovered to 63% of the pre-pandemic level. After a long period of almost no activity, foot traffic around hotels has recently increased to 54% of the normal level.<\/p>\n