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When to Lock, Not Whom: Managing Epidemics Using Time-Based Restrictions

Author

Listed:
  • Yinon Bar-On

    (Weizmann Institute of Science)

  • Tatiana Baron

    (Ben Gurion University)

  • Ofer Cornfeld

    (BFI)

  • Eran Yashiv

    (Tel Aviv University)

Abstract

We present novel policy tools to manage epidemics. Rather than using prevalent population restrictions, these policy strategies are based on cyclical time restrictions. Key findings on the outcomes of such policy strategies include: a significant improvement of social welfare, substantially lessening the trade-offs between economic activity and health outcomes; optimally-derived timings of interventions are shown to suppress the disease, while maintaining reasonable economic activity; and outcomes are superior to the actual experience of New York State and Florida over the course of 2020. (Copyright: Elsevier)

Suggested Citation

  • Yinon Bar-On & Tatiana Baron & Ofer Cornfeld & Eran Yashiv, 2023. "When to Lock, Not Whom: Managing Epidemics Using Time-Based Restrictions," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 51, pages 292-321, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:red:issued:21-29
    DOI: 10.1016/j.red.2023.01.004
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    Cited by:

    1. Yinon Bar-On & Tatiana Baron & Ofer Cornfeld & Ron Milo & Eran Yashiv, 2020. "COVID19: Erroneous Modelling and Its Policy Implications," Discussion Papers 2030, Centre for Macroeconomics (CFM).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    epidemic/pandemic management; cyclical strategies; social planner; endogenous individual response; lockdown; time restrictions; positive analysis; policy frontier;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E23 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Production
    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
    • E65 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Studies of Particular Policy Episodes
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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