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Restarting the economy while saving lives under Covid-19

Author

Listed:
  • Ichino, Andrea
  • Favero, Carlo A.
  • Rustichini, Aldo

Abstract

We provide, calibrate and test a realistic model of the spread of SARS-Cov-2 in an economy with different risks related to age and sectors. The model considers hospital congestion and response of individuals adjusting their behavior to the virus’ spread. We measure precisely the size of these effects using real data for Italy on intensive care capacity and mobility decisions; thus our claim is that the tradeoffs we estimate are quantitatively, rather than qualitatively, approximately correct. We characterize the policies of containment of the epidemic that are efficient with respect to number of fatalities and GDP loss. Prudent policies of gradual return to work may save many lives with limited economic costs, as long as they differentiate by age group and risk sector. More careful behavior of individuals induced by the perceived cost of infection may contribute to further reduce fatalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Ichino, Andrea & Favero, Carlo A. & Rustichini, Aldo, 2020. "Restarting the economy while saving lives under Covid-19," CEPR Discussion Papers 14664, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:14664
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Covid19; Seir model; Post lockdown policies;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • D6 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics
    • H84 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Disaster Aid

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