why is New York so badly affected?

Almost 160,000 identified cases of Covid-19 in the state of New York – more than any country in the world – and almost 8000 dead
: why is this State of 20 million inhabitants so badly affected?

– Was New York more vulnerable?

A study published in mid-March by the educational blog Clever classified New York as the city ” the most vulnerable »To the epidemic United States ahead of San Francisco and Washington.

New York is a particularly dense megalopolis: more than 10,000 inhabitants per km². A breeding ground for the spread of infectious diseases.

The metropolis is also characterized by strong socio-economic inequalities, overcrowding situations in certain working-class neighborhoods (Queens, Bronx), where many people already suffer from health problems, without access to care. These districts are today the most affected.

– Did New York officials underestimate the risk?

March 2, the day after the first confirmed case At New York, Governor Cuomo claimed that the city had ” the best healthcare system on the planet ». « We don’t think the situation can be as bad as in other countries He added.

After much hesitation, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio finally announced the closure of public schools, bars and restaurants effective March 16. The governor ordered containment and closure of non-essential activities a week later, on March 22.

– Have other states reacted better?

California, the most populous state in the United States, is often cited as an example. ” What is notable is that six counties in the San Francisco area got together, on March 16, to issue a containment order. “, Followed on March 19 by containment of the entire state, underlines Meghan McGinty, expert in disaster prevention.

« There was real consistency »While, in the New York region, each county made its decisions without consultation, she says.

– Whose fault is it ?

While the toll of the disease in New York greatly exceeds that of the attacks of September 11, 2001, Democratic Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey, neighboring New York State also very affected, has called for a commission to be set up , after the epidemic, on the model of that created after September 11 to seek the mistakes made.

« There were red flags, what happened?, Mr. Cuomo said on Friday. Without an answer, how can we make sure it doesn’t happen again? »

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