The public realm during public health emergencies: exploring local level responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

1

ABSTRACT

The public realm is a well-recognized contributor to positive health and wellbeing. Public parks and recreational spaces are now some of the main outlets for people to get outdoors, however COVID-19 has created challenges in these spaces. We classify local government responses around maintaining physical distancing in the public realm using a preliminary conceptual map of theories and actions to identify variations in these approaches around the globe. This pilot classification approach provides a useful lens to examine pandemic responses, with future work building upon this map to potentially inform how cities may react to other complex planetary health issues.

Video Abstract

Read the transcript

Watch the video on Vimeo

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

KEYWORDS:

• Local government
• pandemic
• parks and recreation

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no funding support related to this manuscript.

Notes on contributors

Alexander Wray

Alexander Wray is the Human Environments Analysis Laboratory is a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary research and training environment at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. The lab specializes in the production, evaluation, synthesis, dissemination and mobilization of evidence needed for the development of effective policies, programs and professional practice aimed at creating healthy and vibrant communities. Alexander Wray is a Research Associate in the lab with a background in urban planning and health geography.

John Fleming

John Fleming is a Senior Research Associate and Adjunct Faculty member in the lab with over 30 years of professional experience in local government and urban planning.

Jason Gilliland

Dr. Jason Gilliland is the Director of the Human Environments Analysis Lab, Director of the Urban Development program, and holds appointments in geography, epidemiology and biostatistics, pediatrics, and health sciences.