In the short term, those living in Santo Domingo can already observe how the lockdown and travel restrictions are bringing blue skies and improved air quality to the capital city. Air pollution definitely has dissipated in the National District, the busy center of Greater Santo Domingo. With only essential businesses in operation and a 5pm to 6am curfew, contamination by traffic fumes and power plants is down to a record low. Air quality has experienced record highs as nitrogen dioxide levels plummeted. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is produced by vehicles, industrial sites and power stations.
This is a plus to thousands that are quarantined at home having to do the cleaning themselves.
Likewise, at a global level, David Utley, consumer analyst at GlobalData, remarks that the environmental impact of the coronavirus crisis is a positive one. “This reaction to such a serious issue, such as regional lockdowns and limited consumer movement, has done more for the environment than years of environmental campaigning,” he tells in a feature on the GlobalData website.
Nationwide city cleanliness operations and campaigns and the generalized hand washing and hygiene habits being developed are sure to have their effect on the general health of the population.
Listin Diario is spearheading a clean up the city campaign, especially to take advantage of the open spaces that make it easier to sanitize large areas.
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Listin Diario
Global Data
Listin Diario
CNN
EU Observer
Time
BBC
France 24
Fortune
2 April 2020