CIDOB REPORT #05: "COVID-19 in Cities: Managing the Pandemic Crisis" is an edited collection focusing on the impact of the coronavirus crisis on various cities across the globe, including Milan, Berlin, London, Vienna, Zurich, San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Greater Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and others. The report provides insights into how these cities managed the crisis, showcasing diverse strategies and approaches.
The book features contributions from experts in urban studies, international relations, architecture, sociology, and more, offering a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by cities and the innovative solutions they implemented during the pandemic.
Some key highlights from the report include:
Milan: Going from a boom-town to an emergency hotspot, highlighting the swift transformation and subsequent measures taken to manage the crisis.
Barcelona: The role of local solutions in addressing a global pandemic, emphasizing community engagement and co-production in crisis management.
Berlin: Implementing pragmatic solidarity measures to tackle COVID-19, demonstrating the effectiveness of collective action in managing a health crisis.
London: Exploring the complexities of governance in a large city and the challenges of coordinating a response to a pandemic, with a focus on the role of local authorities.
Vienna: Adopting a human rights approach to the coronavirus crisis, underscoring the importance of ethical considerations in public health policies.
Zurich: Coordinating a national response through a federal government, illustrating the benefits of centralized decision-making in times of crisis.
San Francisco Bay Area: Emphasizing the need for transformative changes in response to the pandemic, suggesting a shift towards more resilient and sustainable urban futures.
Chicago: Discussing the dilemma between shutting down or adapting to the pandemic, showcasing the challenges faced by divided cities in managing the crisis.
Greater Buenos Aires: Considering the potential for accelerating metropolitan unity in response to the pandemic, exploring how crises can foster collaboration among cities.
Cape Town: Highlighting initial state and civil society responses, demonstrating the role of community engagement in managing the pandemic.
Melbourne: Navigating crises repeatedly, examining the city's resilience and adaptation strategies during the pandemic.
Hong Kong: Benefiting from an early head start in tackling the new coronavirus, showcasing the importance of preparedness and rapid response in managing pandemics.
The book serves as a valuable resource for urban planners, policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on cities around the world and the strategies adopted to mitigate its effects.