Metropolitan evacuees may not be welcome

One of the conversations I have with my brothers who live in Shaftesbury in Dorset is how little they think of second-homers from London.  I am beginning why those in the South West fear the influx of Londoners. In Covid-19 terms – we are toxic.

The South West of England, though close to London is lagging London’s infection by an extraordinary amount

Screenshot 2020-04-26 at 09.26.30

Data from France (where the extremes between the unpeopled countryside and the populous Paris is even greater) suggests that population density is a key determinant in the spread of infection.

And this map backs up the correlation

Screenshot 2020-04-26 at 09.25.38

People in Shaftesbury are fond of saying that London begins in Salisbury and in terms of infection, the difference between Hampshire and Dorset are startling.


The problem with second homers

It is hardly surprising then that my brothers want to see nothing of me, living as I do in the heart of the metropolis. But can London be locked down to protect those in the country?

It looks very unlikely which suggests that either we continue to have a general lockdown – or there could be a further exodus of wealthy Londoners to the shires and beyond.

I will warn my City neighbours, they may not be met by their rural equivalents with open arms.

 

About henry tapper

Founder of the Pension PlayPen,, partner of Stella, father of Olly . I am the Pension Plowman
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