Pennsylvanians have improved their ability to social distance since Gov. Tom Wolf instilled various mandates in the past week, one study shows.
Unacast, a phone data company, used data from mobile phones to track the average change in distance traveled by individuals in each state and country. Across the United States, Unacast reported a 40% decrease in average distance traveled since Feb. 28. In Pennsylvania, there was a 45% decrease.
The state’s decrease in mobility became especially sharp as the number of confirmed covid-19 cases began to steadily rise, around March 16.
It was also in this time period that Wolf began official precautions — closing bars, restaurants and non-life-sustaining businesses, closing turnpike restrooms and food services and issuing a stay-at-home order for seven counties, including Allegheny County.
The average distance traveled has decreased by 50% in Allegheny County and 42% in Westmoreland County, according to Unacast.
Wolf referenced the study in a news conference Wednesday.
“I want to thank all of you for the sacrifices you’re making,” he said.
