The Impacts Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Urban Planning

The precarious spread of the novel Covid-19 virus has seized the whole world in an iron grip and authorities worldwide have been taking actions to mitigate,isolate,confine or quarantine the population.Compared to other developed and highly urbanized countries in times of Covid 19,small island states are still in the process of rapid urbanization,which made it difficult to handle the pandemic.The field of urban planning and public health has been seen with a renewed perspective and in wake of the Covid-19,the urban built environment needs to be reconsidered for a health-driven country.The purpose of this thesis will answer the question of: “How has Covid-19 altered the urban lifestyle in Mauritius and how can such urban areas be redesigned in times of pandemics?”The study primarily focused on five towns in the Island State of Mauritius namely Vacoas-Phoenix,Quatre-Bornes,Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill,Curepipe and Port Louis to examine how urban environments can be better designed in times of pandemics.The mode of investigation draws on both quantitative and qualitative methods through the use of questionnaire survey,interviews,urban observation,published documents and reports.To further probe the analysis of the five cities,maps and proposals have been retrieved from the Mauritius Ministry of Housing and Lands.It offers a comprehensive analysis of urban dimensions and assesses the need for planning standards to secure such urban areas against future crises.As a cumulative work,the research significance is proved through the results of the study.The research reveals some planning issues identified in the five urban areas during and aftermath the two instances of Covid 19 in Mauritius.Those issues relate to management of urban population density,reshaping public and green spaces for more pedestrianized sanitary facilities,transportation and mobility and.Covid-19 testing centres and emergency hotspots.The paper also discusses the need for urban planners to consider the relationship between urban design and health while designing urban environments in a pandemic stricken situation.Recommendations are also made regarding the planning and maintaining of green spaces for citizens to sustain a healthy lifestyle during lockdowns,the expansion of pedestrian pathways,innovating public transport services and implementing strategic plans between the public and private sector for probable pandemics.