Updated May 21, 2020 On December 31, 2019, China reported to the WHO several cases of pneumonia of unknown origin in Wuhan, Hubei province. A week later, on January 7, officials determined that these cases were caused by a novel coronavirus. The virus spread very rapidly, first within Wuhan and Hubei province, then to the rest of China. By the end of January, China already … [Read more...] about The Spread of the Novel Coronavirus outside China
Social Issues
A Sharing Economy for Mechanical Ventilators
From Wuhan to Italy, one of the most serious problems associated with COVID-19 has been the lack of intensive care units (ICUs), mechanical ventilators, and staff trained to operate them. In both cases (and notwithstanding China’s astonishing expansion of hospital capacity), many of the deaths could have been prevented with more ICUs and more ventilators. In the absence of … [Read more...] about A Sharing Economy for Mechanical Ventilators
In the Fight Against the Coronavirus, Behavioral Economics is a Potent Weapon
With thousands of deaths worldwide, the coronavirus has spread panic in nearly all countries and territories where it has hit. People fear not only infection and death, but upheavals to their daily lives, rituals, and traditions. Everything from earning an income to having a normal family life or even putting food on the table has been put into doubt. And doubt tends to build … [Read more...] about In the Fight Against the Coronavirus, Behavioral Economics is a Potent Weapon
How to Save Lives and Keep the Hospital System from Collapsing? A Prescription for Fighting the Coronavirus from the UK.
This week, researchers at Imperial College published an extremely important article. It presents an epidemiological model and evaluates interventions for reducing contact between people to slow the transmission of the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. The model, applied to the United Kingdom and to the United States, analyzes effects on the number of dead … [Read more...] about How to Save Lives and Keep the Hospital System from Collapsing? A Prescription for Fighting the Coronavirus from the UK.
Towards Inclusive Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean
As 2019 draws to a close, Latin America and the Caribbean faces at least four big challenges. First, growth this year is well below potential. Second, potential growth is low. Third, the region remains subject to large shocks. And fourth, despite recent gains, inequality remains high and aspirations are outstripping the meagre outlook, contributing to protests across the region … [Read more...] about Towards Inclusive Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean