The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has surpassed 5 million worldwide. However, a significant number of countries are entering a new phase in the fight against SARS-COV-2, as the virus that causes the Covid-19 illness is known. As can be seen from the following maps prepared using data from Oxford University, restrictions on movement are being relaxed. … [Read more...] about COVID-19: We Must Use Behavioral Science to Communicate Better during the Delicate Reopening Period
Has the Pandemic Peaked in Latin American Countries?
For a recent report on ending lockdowns in Latin America, our colleagues here at the Inter-American Development Bank collected recommendations from different international organizations (including the World Health Organization and the European Commission), governments, and think tanks on how and when to begin reopening economies. Although there are important differences … [Read more...] about Has the Pandemic Peaked in Latin American Countries?
Poor Health, Poverty and the Challenges of COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean
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
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