On May 15th, 2020, there were 450,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 25,000 related deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the absence of a cure or a vaccine, countries in the region have resorted to lockdowns and physical distancing to reduce the rate of infection and avoid overwhelming national health systems. But the challenge of addressing the pandemic … [Read more...] about Poor Health, Poverty and the Challenges of COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean
Social Issues
Prospering After the Lockdown: A Matter of Trust
With the coronavirus pandemic threatening lives and well-being, most governments in Latin America and the Caribbean have imposed strict limits on social interactions to better manage the contagion. After two months under lockdown, however, the toll on the region’s economies is apparent. Nearly half of households report job losses and most businesses have either closed down or … [Read more...] about Prospering After the Lockdown: A Matter of Trust
A Conversation with Cass Sunstein on Behavioral Science and Using Nudges: Recommendations for Overcoming Covid-19
The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) continues to severely impact countries around the world. More than 4.5 million people have been confirmed infected, and the death count is now in the hundreds of thousands, although stringent restrictions on mobility have prevented a greater public health disaster. However, economic stagnation and fatigue among the … [Read more...] about A Conversation with Cass Sunstein on Behavioral Science and Using Nudges: Recommendations for Overcoming Covid-19
How the Public Sector Can Coordinate Increasing Domestic Production of the Supplies Crucial for Handling Covid-19
One of the biggest problems faced by developing countries in handling the pandemic has been shortages of equipment and supplies for diagnostic testing of the population suspected of infection; for treating patients with the most severe infections; and for protecting healthcare workers. As the number of Covid-19 cases has increased, countries are demanding more medical equipment … [Read more...] about How the Public Sector Can Coordinate Increasing Domestic Production of the Supplies Crucial for Handling Covid-19
How Can Behavioral Economics Improve Our Decision-Making during the Pandemic?
Over the last few months, most Latin American and Caribbean countries have been able to flatten the curve of infections thanks to severe restrictions on mobility. The Human Mobility Map for Latin America and the Caribbean shows that the restrictions have worked and citizens are limiting their movements. Argentina saw a decline of almost 54% in the number of people who travel … [Read more...] about How Can Behavioral Economics Improve Our Decision-Making during the Pandemic?