Tracking the Economic Impact of COVID-19 and Mitigation Policies in Europe and the United States
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Summary:
We use high-frequency indicators to analyze the economic impact of COVID-19 in Europe and the United States during the early phase of the pandemic. We document that European countries and U.S. states that experienced larger outbreaks also suffered larger economic losses. We also find that the heterogeneous impact of COVID-19 is mostly captured by observed changes in people’s mobility, while, so far, there is no robust evidence supporting additional impact from the adoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions. The deterioration of economic conditions preceded the introduction of these policies and a gradual recovery also started before formal reopening, highlighting the importance of voluntary social distancing, communication, and trust-building measures.
Series:
Working Paper No. 2020/125
Subject:
Commodities COVID-19 Electricity Expenditure Health Labor Labor markets Unemployment Unemployment benefits
Frequency:
regular
English
Publication Date:
July 10, 2020
ISBN/ISSN:
9781513549644/1018-5941
Stock No:
WPIEA2020125
Pages:
25
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