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Is Large-Scale Rapid Cov-2 Testing a Substitute For Lockdowns? The Case of Tuebingen

Author

Listed:
  • Diederichs, Marc

    (University of Mainz)

  • Kremsner, Peter G.

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Mitze, Timo

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Müller, Gernot

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Papies, Dominik

    (University of Hamburg)

  • Schulz, Felix

    (University of Mainz)

  • Wälde, Klaus

    (University of Mainz)

Abstract

Various forms of contact restriction have been adopted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Only recently, rapid testing appeared as a new policy instrument. If sufficiently effective, it may serve as a substitute for contact restrictions. Against this background we evaluate the effects of a unique policy experiment: on March 16, the city of Tuebingen set up a rapid testing scheme while relaxing lockdown measures-in sharp contrast to its German peers. Comparing case rates in Tuebingen county to an appropriately defined control unit over a four-week period, we find an increase in the reported case rate, robustly across alternative specifications. However, the increase is temporary and about one half of it reflects cases that would have gone undetected in the absence of extra testing.

Suggested Citation

  • Diederichs, Marc & Kremsner, Peter G. & Mitze, Timo & Müller, Gernot & Papies, Dominik & Schulz, Felix & Wälde, Klaus, 2021. "Is Large-Scale Rapid Cov-2 Testing a Substitute For Lockdowns? The Case of Tuebingen," IZA Discussion Papers 14334, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp14334
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eichenbaum, Martin S. & Rebelo, Sergio & Trabandt, Mathias, 2022. "The macroeconomics of testing and quarantining," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    (correcting the) bias; COVID-19; reported number of CoV-2 infections; number of tests; SIR model; unbiased epidemiological severity index;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models

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