Regions in Covid-19 recovery

Abstract

Covid-19 is undoubtedly a regional crisis, spatially uneven in its impacts. While it is too soon to talk about a transition 'from pandemic to recovery', with attention switching to regional development priorities and the implications of Covid-19 on regional policy, planning and development, increasingly we will need to focus on regions in their recovery phase. In this article we ask four leading researchers what this recovery phase will mean for regions. Opening the way for future discussion perspectives on regional economic recovery, resilience planning, building healthy and just places, and overcoming the 'shadow' pandemic indicate how this recovery phase is unfolding and what we would benefit from doing differently to 'build back better' and overcome 'wicked problems' preventing more inclusive, just and sustainable regional futures.

The global evolution of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

“…However, as of June 2020, the results showed a decrease in mental health disorders. This month also coincides with the end of the first wave in North America and Europe, with an initial recovery of the global economy and with the lifting of isolation and containment measures related to the pandemic ( Bailey et al, 2021 ; Demirgüç-Kunt et al, 2021 ; Ligo et al, 2021 ). Despite this decrease, the prevalence of mental health problems remains higher during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic times ( Prati and Mancini, 2021 ; Robinson et al, 2022 ).…”

Economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Turkey: analysis of vulnerability and resilience of regions and diversely affected economic sectors

“…The economic crisis caused by COVID-19 is fundamentally different from the Great Recession of 2008–2009 on a global scale. The crisis experienced in 2008–2009 hit the economy where the global economic integration process was at its peak (Bailey et al 2021 ). The impact of COVID-19 has been felt in all areas of life.…”

“…For example, although many sectors have suffered a great loss with the economic crisis triggered by COVID-19, some sectors, such as the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, have increased their power, as shown above. Hence, as Bailey et al ( 2021 ) state, the winners and losers of each crisis are different. Socially, some new routines such as flexible working from home have also become a part of life.…”

“…Although the outbreak gave rise to an economic downturn both in the world and in Turkey, as emphasized by Bailey et al ( 2021 ), the spatial impact of the crisis has not been similar in all regions. As a matter of fact, the importance of the geographical dimension of the crisis cannot be overstated (Brinks and Ibert 2020 ).…”

Special Feature on social, economic, and spatial impacts of COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

“…Although the COVID-19 outbreak gave rise to an economic downturn worldwide, the spatial impact of the crisis has not been similar in all regions (Bailey et al 2021 ). Local/regional dynamics that make regions resilient or vulnerable differ according to their response to economic shocks.…”