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The macroeconomics of testing and quarantining

Author

Listed:
  • Eichenbaum, Martin S.
  • Rebelo, Sergio
  • Trabandt, Mathias

Abstract

We develop a SIR-based macroeconomic model to study the impact of testing/ quarantining and social distancing/mask use on health and economic outcomes. These policies can dramatically reduce the costs of an epidemic. Absent testing/quarantining, the main effect of social distancing and mask use on health outcomes is to delay, rather than reduce, epidemic-related deaths. Social distancing and mask use reduce the severity of the epidemic-related recession but prolong its duration. There is an important synergy between social distancing and mask use and testing/quarantining. Social distancing and mask use buy time for testing and quarantining to come to the rescue. The benefits of testing/quarantining are even larger when people can get reinfected, either because the virus mutates or immunity is temporary.

Suggested Citation

  • Eichenbaum, Martin S. & Rebelo, Sergio & Trabandt, Mathias, 2022. "The macroeconomics of testing and quarantining," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:dyncon:v:138:y:2022:i:c:s0165188922000422
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jedc.2022.104337
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Containment; COVID-19; Epidemic; Immunity; Quarantine; Testing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E1 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • H0 - Public Economics - - General

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