Coronavirus cases are sharply rising across the United States of America. As a result of the surge, elected officials in various states say new restrictions are necessary regardless of the past economic impact of COVID shutdowns. In effect, the only tool they have to stop the spread of the disease is to shutdown activity. In some cases these restrictions range from highly specific to all encompassing. Not everyone agrees with this approach.
The ongoing policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to big questions: For example, can strict quarantines even work for highly contagious diseases such as COVID-19? Accordingly, are there other costs to our health and physical wellbeing to consider? In the long run, does the long term economic impact of COVID shutdowns justify their use?
In fact, many detractors feel the restrictions are draconian in nature. Many businesses argue they are in a no-win scenario. Their options are a government mandate to shutdown or bankruptcy. Regardless of the restrictions, these businesses say they may ignore new shutdown orders. They have nothing to lose since enforcement would led to them shutting down. Staying open gives them an opportunity to survive.
Ultimately, research is currently being conducted to determine if the negative impacts of lockdowns outweigh any positive effects. Real America investigated the topic during a recent episode. As a result, they looked for expertise on the subject.
ISEG Research Fellow Abigail Devereaux Featured on “Real America” to discuss research findings on economic impact of COVID shutdowns
On November 23, 2020 Dan Ball interviewed Dr. Abigail Devereaux, Research Fellow at the Institute for the Study of Economic Growth (ISEG), on “Real America”. The show aired on One America News Network. During the interview, Dr. Devereaux shared her research findings on the economic impact of COVID shutdowns.
Watch Dr. Devereaux’s appearance below or on YouTube.
