Corona Virus: A Tale of Two Cities

Dave Furness

Coronavirus: A Tale of Two Cities

by Dave Furness

New York City (NYC) and Tokyo are both densely populated cities.

NYC's population is approximately 8.5 million, and Tokyo's population is about 13.2 million.

Both cities have been affected by Coronavirus (Covid19). The reported number of Covid19 deaths in New York City is 19,736 (according to nymag.com on 13th May 2020).

NYC is now the Coronavirus capital of the world. However, the number of Covid19 deaths in Tokyo is 196.

So, the number of deaths from Coronavirus is just over one hundred times greater in NYC than Tokyo. 

NYC has an area of 305 square miles, and Tokyo has 845 square miles. Comparing the number of Coronavirus deaths per square mile in each city shows that the death rate per square mile in NYC is 281 times that of Tokyo.

The mainstream media have not attempted to explore the reasons for this vast discrepancy.

NYC's population density is 1.77 times greater than Tokyo's, but this would not explain the enormous difference in the number of deaths.

We know that the Coronavirus has a disproportionate effect on the elderly. We also know that Japan has the world's highest density of the elderly. Remarkably, Japan's capital city, Tokyo, has only suffered 196 deaths.

Even more remarkable is Tokyo's proximity to Wuhan, China, which is 1,509 miles. Wuhan to NYC is 7,477 miles.

NYC has a 'hard lockdown', but Tokyo has a 'soft lockdown'. Tokyo has no restrictions on travel, and there are no orders to comply with emergency measures, only requests. Consequently, there are no penalties for those residents who don't obey.

The first reported case of Coronavirus in NYC was that of a woman who had travelled from Iran. NYC now has more confirmed cases of Coronavirus than China and Iran.

Over 37% of NYC residents were born in another country, which is the highest percentage in more than one hundred years. Furthermore, over three million foreign-born immigrants live in NYC. 

The Chinese population in NYC is the biggest outside of China. Over 40% of the USA's Bengali population lives in NYC.

Additionally, NYC has over half a million illegal immigrants.

Under 4% of Tokyo residents were born in a foreign country. 

Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn

Manhattan is the least affected borough from Coronavirus in NYC. However, Washington Heights (80,200 immigrants) in northern Manhattan is the most affected neighbourhood.  

Queens and Brooklyn are the two worst affected boroughs in NYC. 

Bensonhurst in Brooklyn and Elmhurst in Queens are two neighbourhoods that are severely affected by the Coronavirus.

Elmhurst

Elmhurst Hospital is the most overused hospital in NYC, and it's at the epicentre of Coronavirus in the USA.

71% of Elmhurst residents are foreign-born, and most of them have low-paying jobs. Many of them are in ill-health.

NYC's population density is approximately 27,800 per square mile, but Elmhurst has a population of over 88,000 packed into 1.172 square miles, which gives a population density of 75,000 per square mile.

Owning or renting a decent place to live in NYC is very expensive. So, many foreign-born residents (legal and illegal) in NYC who have a low-paying job are living in very overcrowded conditions. 

These low-paying jobs will remain low paid as long as there is a seemingly endless supply of immigrants (legal and illegal) who are willing to take these jobs. Studies show that immigration leads to a lowering of wages among the lowest-paid workers.

New York City has an exceptionally 'diverse' population, and its Coronavirus death toll is now at least 19,700.

Tokyo does not have a 'diverse' population, and its Coronavirus death toll is now 196.

Ultimately, diversity could be the primary reason why New York City is now the Coronavirus capital of the world.