Contagion by COVID-19 in the cities : commuting distance and residential density matter?

Purpose This study addresses the COVID-19 infection and its relationship with the city's constructive intensity, commuting time to work and labor market dynamics during the lockdown period. Design/methodology/approach Microdata from formal workers in Recife was used to adjust a probability model for disease contraction. Findings The authors' results indicate that greater distance to employment increases the probability of infection. The same applies to constructive intensity, suggesting that residences in denser areas, such as apartments in buildings, condominiums and informal settlements, elevate the chances of contracting the disease. It is also observed that formal workers with completed higher education have lower infection risks, while healthcare professionals on the frontlines of combating the disease face higher risks than others. The lockdown effectively reduced contagion by limiting people's mobility during the specified period. Research limitations/implications The research shows important causal relationships, making it possible to think about public policies for the health of individuals both when commuting to work and in living conditions, aiming to control contagion by COVID-19. Practical implications The lockdown effectively reduced contagion by limiting people's mobility during the specified period. Social implications It is also observed that formal workers with completed higher education have lower infection risks, while healthcare professionals on the frontlines of combating the disease face higher risks than others. Originality/value The authors identified positive and significant relationships between these urban characteristics and increased contagion, controlling for neighborhood, individual characteristics, comorbidities, occupations and economic activities.