Compact cities and the Covid-19 pandemic: Systematic review of the associations between transmission of Covid-19 or other respiratory viruses and population density or other features of neighbourhood design

Living in compact neighbourhoods that are walkable, well connected, with accessible green space can benefit physical and mental health. However, the pandemic raises concern that higher population density may increase transmission of Covid-19, leading some to question the policy of high-density or 15 min neighbourhoods. We conducted a systematic review to identify, appraise and synthesise evidence reporting associations between transmission of respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, and dwelling or population density or other features of neighbourhood design. Twenty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies used differing measures of neighbourhood design, and their findings were inconsistent. No clear conclusion can be drawn about any association between compact neighbourhood design and transmission of infection.

Automated summary

Living in compact and accessible neighborhoods with green spaces can promote physical and mental health. However, the impact of high population density and 15-minute neighborhood policies on Covid-19 transmission is still uncertain. The evidence regarding the association between compact neighborhood design and infection transmission is inconsistent.