Cities Won't Die from COVID-19, Here's Why

Will the Covid-19 pandemic kill city life?

No, it doesn't. University of Maryland urban expert John Renni Short says that cities have always been predicted to die when change happens. In the early era of technological advancement, it was predicted that cities would no longer be needed because people could communicate through phones and the internet. Even after the 9/11 terrorist acts, many thought that people would leave the city. In fact, to this day, cities continue to grow and get bigger.

The Covid-19 pandemic emerged as a new challenge and changed many aspects of city life. Nonetheless, for once, the city will adapt and be able to survive because it has the power of attraction that makes people not leave it.

What is the appeal of the city that makes it endure through the challenges?

According to John Renni Short, economic interests are one of the reasons why people will return to the city. Opportunities and chances will be more wide open in big and dense cities.

Economist Michael Orlando has found the same thing: density in cities is an attraction in itself. He explains it in the concept of the power of cities: sharing, matching, and learning. This concept explains how city people, consciously or unconsciously, have shared and experienced the many benefits and opportunities that exist in cities.

A city that is crowded with many people will open up great opportunities for everyone or companies. Companies will find it easier to find potential customers in a crowded city. Everyone has a great opportunity to work or learn a new skill in a big city, and so on.

In essence, the more people, the denser the city, the more possibilities and opportunities are found.

How can cities survive the Covid-19 pandemic?

Michael Orlando believes that vaccines and improved medical care will reduce the risk and danger of infection over time. By adapting to change, people can return to the city to finish their business and work. Then, people will return to benefit and find many opportunities in the city.

Excerpted from No, COVID-19 won't kill our cities. Here's why