Cities at the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic: density matters

Abstract

Urban density is an important consideration in the coronavirus pandemic, but knee-jerk reactions by the government, companies and citizens are damaging. The solution is not to reduce density, but to manage it in ways that minimise the risks of viral transmission because density also has major benefits for human well-being and economic prosperity. Doing more to engage and empower citizens, communities and cities would improve the governments response to the pandemic.