Transport technology company EROAD has released graphs comparing industry activity across the COVID-19 alert levels.
Commercial vehicles fitted with the technology were categorised under the same industry groupings used by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, then analysed to identify the percentage change in the total distance these commercial vehicles had travelled.
A baseline of normal activity is represented as zero percent on each graph.
Maintaining our communities
These two industry classifications include sectors like electricity generation, rubbish collection, broadband supply and other essential services. Working and learning from home has benefitted the information and telecommunications industry, which was the only industry to remain predominantly busier than normal. (Graph 1: electricity, gas, water and waste services; Graph 2: information, media and telecommunications).
Industries able to work with social distancing
The level 4 lockdown is clearly evident as these industries dipped with most of their commercial vehicles remaining stationary. Both show significant rebounds in level 3, befitting industry sectors able to work safely within social distancing guidelines. (Graph 3: construction; Graph 4: mining).
Panic buying and takeaways
While these two industries reflect a return to normal levels, the sectors they contain include restaurants, takeaways and supermarkets. The lift immediately prior to the alert level 4 lockdown may reflect panic buying, with the uplift in the past week likely to be driven by takeaway outlets and stores opening for online/contactless delivery. (Graph 5: accommodation & food services; Graph 6: retail trade).
Not completely quiet
Some industries were kept active if only to ensure their big operating machinery would function again – this might be why these industries were able to keep 50% of their vehicles operational during the lockdown period. The reliance between these industries is reflected in the similarities of each graph. (Graph 7: manufacturing; Graph 8: wholesale trade; Graph 9: transport, postal & warehousing)
We’re still saying safe
Significant decreases of around 75% in both these industries, with some lift during Level 3 but still considerably below normal activity. (Graph 10: education & training; Graph 11: public administration & safety)
*A full list of the sectors contained within each industry group is available here.
