1 mins
INTERact
EU cities facing COVID-19: impact and responses
URBACT, EU’s programme dedicated to cities’ cooperation, sheds light on coronavirus’ impact and how cities respond to the current crisis, with a series of articles and an interactive map.
The most affected
Covid-19 besides a health crisis it’s also a social and economic crisis that’s hitting poorest people, elderly, men and women in different ways. For the poorest, the access to employment, social networks and basic services has been compromised more than ever before. Many elder people, considered as the most vulnerable age group to the virus, have been straggling to fight social isolation.
Covid-19 has also shown a different face to men and women. While it appears that men are more likely than women to die from Covid-19, it is women who are at greatest risk of coming into contact with the virus since they are relying more on public transport than men. In addition, because of the confinement measures in most European countries, reports of domestic abuse on women have spiked – by over 30% insome places.
Environmental sustainability now
On the positive side, confinement has led to drastic improvements in air quality and the return of nature in urban spaces. The presence of nature in the city, and especially access to green areas, prove important for people’s physical and mental health.
Where does cooperation amongst EU cities stand?
In a time where EU solidarity and cooperation is needed more than ever, around 40 EU cities have shared their solutions and tools on URBACT’s interactive map.
URBACT will continue to standby EU cities with local stories and responses to COVID-19.