South London hit hardest by Coronavirus?

[HerstoryInTheMaking]

Hi eveyone I have been following this virus closely for some time.

I saw on sky news this table showing worst affected local authorities and was surprised nobody noticed how South London Boroughs were affected much worse than even other parts of London.

For example if we look at the table for the top 20 worst affected areas nationally 8 are in South London.

1. Southwark
2. Lambeth
3. Croydon
4. Merton

10. Bromley 11. Sutton 14. Lewisham 16. Wandsworth

Given that these boroughs all appear to have high rates and all are within proximity to each other wouldnt this indicate an apparent cluster. Im surprised the media havent covered this. Obviously we know London has had a lot but it seems to have been missed that South London is so badly affected.

Since many of these boroughs are poorer couldnt it indicate that poverty may be accelerating the virus?

Any thoughts?

Also thought I would add that both Kingston and Richmond have far lower figures of the virus, they are also wealthier areas further adding that there may be a correlation between being poorer and catching Covid-19.

Is that worse affected as in numbers or proportions? Southwark Lambeth and Croydon have more inhabitants than most counties.

It does seem to hit certain ethnic groups more than others - maybe that’s a factor? Also density of housing perhaps. Not sure it’s much better in areas of North London.

Southwark and Lambeth have two of the largest hospitals in the uk - kings and st thomas. Most people who have been tested are in or work at a hospital

There is a correlation between certain underlying conditions eg diabetes and lower levels of wealth, also it seems that BAME individuals appear to be more affected by Covid (not yet clear why). Could be a combination of the two affecting individuals from those areas? Would need to look at the data regarding BAME population and levels of poverty in those areas compared to other boroughs to draw any conclusions though.

Wandsworth, Lambeth & Southwark are in the top ten most expensive boroughs of London

As what @Etinox said as Southwark, Lambeth and Croydon have large populations.

In addition those 3 boroughs have large transport hubs in them e.g Waterloo, Clapham Junction, East Croydon.

They also have large teaching hospitals in them.

Also as Lambeth, Southwark and Croydon have large transport hubs they have a lots of businesses base in them were people commute in.

The data is measured at rate per 100,000, I think this is a more accurate way to measure.

The North London boroughs appear to be less affected with a few exceptions.

I thought it could be population density but isnt North North London just as dense if not denser?

Agree with other posters re hospitals

Some of those boroughs aren't known for their BAME populations but for their older white populations.

Or just older populations than more central boroughs than say, Kensington and Chelsea which are very young in population.

Community spread via care homes, carers, community staff - all the people who weren't issued with PPE - is a massive issue.

Where are cases/deaths recorded? Where the patient lives or the hospital they are in (assuming that - up until now - most people who have been tested are in hospital)?

This has made me realise that my borough has been hit hardest - Brent - at least it was the case two days ago.

What the average age per borough, number of care homes?

Is Brent on the list? It's the most diverse borough I think.

It’s not on the list above because the list starts with number 2 and Brent is number 1 - 250 cases per 100,000 apparently.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-52219070

Thanks @Sosadandempty

OP you are aware that London Waterloo is the busiest train station in the country? Plus it is an interchange with tube lines, Waterloo East and buses.

It means it would have brought thousands of people together from Hampshire, Surrey and the South West of England as well as SW and SE London.

Same with London Bridge and East Surrey and Sussex. Millions of commuters explains the stats I reckon and the large teaching hospitals.

Large proportion of wealthy commuters from these areas went skiing/trips to Italy around half term as well.

Is St. George's the biggest hospital in London?

Southwark and Lambeth have two of the largest hospitals in the uk - kings and st thomas. Most people who have been tested are in or work at a hospital

Also St George's is in Wandsworth (very close to the border with Merton).

Is the op from North London? 😆

It’s not that deprived or ethnic minorities are more likely to get it, they are more likely to be seriously ill with it and be hospitalised, and therefore tested. Obesity, poor diet, alcohol and smoking rates are more likely. Although the Drs who’ve died are overwhelmingly minorities and unlikely to be from poor backgrounds and appear healthy weights so it’s possible there are other reasons minorities are disproportionately affected, and pushing up the stats for these areas.

Are the stats based on where the people live or where tested? Bear in mind people move across the city for work and social reasons a lot.

I'm in one of those boroughs. I don't know of a single person locally, either personally or through friends, who has been ill enough with Coronavirus to be hospitalised. The population density is high in London compared to many other areas.

I think outer North London is worst - I thought we were at the epicentre of it, nearest hospital full, then another one not to far away Watford had no oxygen - at one point worst place in England never mind London to get it www.cityam.com/coronavirus-worst-affected-london-boroughs/