Lockdowns in developing countries should focus on shielding the elderly
Files
Published version
Date
Lockdowns in developing countries should focus on ...
DOI
Authors
Alon, Titan
Kim, Minki
Lagakos, David
Vanvuren, Mitch
Version
Published version
OA Version
Citation
Titan Alon, Minki Kim, David Lagakos, Mitch Vanvuren. "Lockdowns in developing countries should focus on shielding the elderly."
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to dramatic policy responses in most advanced economies, and in particular sustained lockdowns matched with sizable transfers to workers. This column discuss the extent to which developing countries should try to replicate these policies. Due to differences in labour market informality, fiscal capacity, healthcare infrastructure, and demographics, blanket lockdowns appear less effective in developing countries. Age-targeted policies – where the young are allowed to work while the old are shielded from the virus – can potentially save both more lives and livelihoods.