Ambient Noise Measurements During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Singapore

Abstract:

Throughout the recent COVID-19 pandemic, countries across the world have taken measures to mitigate the spread of the virus including lockdown of workplaces, schools and non-essential public places. Human movement in public places become essential to accurately forecast infection rates and inform future government decisions during the pandemic. Singapore's lockdown started on April 7 and phased out since June 1.

The day before Singapore’s lockdown, we deployed 5Hz-SmartSolo nodes at two different locations on the University campus, at one location by the highway near the port and at one location in the park. The amplitude of the observed data from these nodes shows a general correlation with mobility reports from Google and Apple. We calibrate and compare the high frequency node measurements with permanent seismic station measurements in Singapore. The preliminary results show that social activities follow different trends at workplaces, at 24-hour international port, and at recreational sites as the pandemic unfolded and as the government measures were implemented. These high resolution, localized information generated by geophysical monitoring of urban ambient noise field will provide additional information for urban planners and policy makers in order to make better resource allocation for public facilities and better resistent schemes for the next epidemic.