Relational analysis between economic activities and mobility during coronavirus disease

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has significantly affected daily lives since it was declared a pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization. Studies in Korea to interpret the relationship between Covid-19 and transportation showed that there has been an overall decrease in the use of public transportation, with a significant decrease when the infection was widespread. In addition, Covid-19 has also affected the commercial environment. In particular, the number of people shopping in commercial districts such as retail outlets has decreased significantly. This study analyses the disease vectors (spread factors) of Covid-19 in terms of transportation demand, the revitalisation of commercial districts, living populations and socio-economic indicators. It attempts to identify different infection factors for each district in Seoul using a causal analysis methodology partial least-squares structural equation modelling such that Covid-19 can be managed continuously, with the aim to provide a foundation for pre-emptive actions by adjusting or controlling specific influencing factors pertaining to infectious diseases.