Movement drops by 23% after outbreak alert

Nationwide activity decreased up to its lowest point pre-lockdown on April 6. The decrease began when the government issued an outbreak alert on February 7, specifically the Orange DORSCON level, which alerted the public of the high infection risk of COVID-19. This was 2 months before the peak of the virus in April[1].

Rising public concern caused a steady decrease in activity, wherein otherwise bustling areas experienced much less foot traffic. During this time also, the government enforced crowd reduction in malls and restaurants [2].

And -20% more after lockdown is announced

On April 7, Singapore initiated nationwide lockdown through a program called the Circuit Breaker. This caused a further drop in activity which reached its lowest point on April 20. Non-critical businesses, tourist, and entertainment venues in the central area were required to close down [3].

In the map, we can see the decrease in activity spreading into more areas like Punggol and Geylang in the east.

Bustling city centers were largely affected

Before the Circuit Breaker, areas with shops and restaurants are usually brimming with activity, such as here in Downtown Core, Singapore’s main commercial area. Nearby areas like the famous Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay are also frequented by tourists far and wide.

After the Circuit Breaker was announced, these same areas experienced a sudden drop in activity. Noncritical businesses like tourist and entertainment venues all over Singapore were required to close down [3]. Besides Downtown, other largely affected areas include neighboring Orchard, Museum, and Outram.

Residential areas retained activity

Pre-lockdown, residential areas were places of concentrated activity as well, with people living in neighborhoods of high-rise condominiums. Resident activity reflects in telemetry data through activities like checking the weather and using apps to navigate to destinations.

With people staying at home during the Circuit Breaker, activity greatly went down while remaining concentrated within the vicinity of residential buildings, as shown here in Yishun. Following concerns on the virus and proximity to worker dorms, more people opted to remain indoors and use delivery apps [4] to address basic needs such as food and toiletries. Other residential districts that retained activity included Woodlands, Punggol, and Pioneer.

Resumption after lockdown was slow and distributed

Following the end of the Circuit Breaker on June 1, movement across Singapore increased by +6%. During this time also was the gradual resumption of operations per industry. [5]

Although still far from pre-covid activity levels, areas around Singapore are starting to recover such as the Central area in the south and areas like Punggol and Geylang in the north east.

Commercial areas recovered fastest

For example near Orchard Road, activity went up the most right after the lockdown release, with people heading back to their jobs in shops and offices in the area.

Some of the most recovered as well are the surrounding areas Downtown, Newton, and Museum, which together comprise Singapore's ever-busy Central Area.