Socioeconomic disparities in subway use and COVID-19 outcomes in New York City

Using data from New York City, we found that there was an estimated 28-day
lag between the onset of reduced subway use and the end of the exponential
growth period of SARS-CoV-2 within New York City boroughs. We also
conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the associations between human
mobility (i.e., subway ridership), sociodemographic factors, and COVID-19
incidence as of April 26, 2020. Areas with lower median income, a greater
percentage of individuals who identify as non-white and/or
Hispanic/Latino, a greater percentage of essential workers, and a greater
percentage of healthcare essential workers had greater mobility during the
pandemic. When adjusted for the percent of essential workers, these
associations do not remain, suggesting essential work drives human
movement in these areas. Increased mobility and all sociodemographic
variables (except percent older than 75 years old and percent of
healthcare essential workers) was associated with a higher rate of
COVID-19 cases per 100k, when adjusted for testing effort. Our study
demonstrates that the most socially disadvantaged are not only at an
increased risk for COVID-19 infection, but lack the privilege to fully
engage in social distancing interventions.