5 Ways Major Cities Around the World Are Coping with COVID-19

The first news related to the novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 came on December 31, 2019, from Wuhan, China, and what started as an epidemic in China, soon got declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). More than half of the world’s population lives in cities. Whether it’s Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, London, or New York, the chances of the transmission of any infectious disease are higher due to excessive human contact. So, how are the major cities in the world coping with the Coronavirus outbreak? How, with such a large population, transportation hubs, and business centers, is it possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19? Let’s check out!

International Travel Restrictions

As a result of COVID-19, countries from around the world imposed entry barriers and travel restrictions in major cities and wherever COVID-positive people were found. In Malaysia, all the foreigners were prohibited from entering the country effective March 18, 2020. By the first week of April, there were travel restrictions all around the globe, and the recent latest data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization says that now there are 100% travel restrictions in all countries.

Transparency of Data

A better-informed government is able to make better decisions. From China to Germany, many countries have made their raw data not only trackable but also accessible to the common public so that the right measures can be taken. While the positive Coronavirus cases have been useful for governments to divide different areas in the cities into different zones, the asymptomatic and mild symptom cases are also on track.

Practice Social Distancing

Social distancing is one of the major steps taken by the major cities around the world. The cities like Miami and Dallas saw the biggest decline in traffic in a day after Coronavirus lockdown. Governments around the world believe that social distancing or avoidance of face-to-face contact is the best way to control the spread of Coronavirus, given the fact that COVID-19 mainly spreads among people who are in close contact with each other (within 6 feet). 

Sanitary Measures

In addition to physical distancing, all the major cities in the world have requested their citizens to take enhanced sanitary measures. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has released an extensive list of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) measures to be taken during the current COVID situation. For instance, a recent project in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is raising awareness about handwashing by addressing cultural sensitivities. 

Non-essential Businesses on Close

While grocery items, sanitary goods, and medicines are available, non-essential items such as luxury products, liquor, and clothing are on close in most of the cities. Non-essential businesses also include casinos, gyms, sports arenas, entertainment centers, amusement parks, saloons, etc. Even at grocery stores, banks, and pharmacies, six feet of physical distancing is being maintained. 

As COVID cases are surging across the globe, all the major cities and their respective governments have taken several measures to help the citizens cope with this inevitable situation. With no vaccine available for Coronavirus currently, steps like social distancing, travel restrictions, and using preventive equipment like face masks can only help reduce the spread. redBus, the best portal for booking bus tickets online worldwide, wishes you good health, safety, and strength to fight COVID-19. Stay home, stay safe!