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Economics and Epidemics: Evidence from an Estimated Spatial Econ-SIR Model

Author

Listed:
  • Mark Bognanni
  • Doug Hanley
  • Daniel Kolliner
  • Kurt Mitman

Abstract

Economic analysis of effective policies for managing epidemics requires an integrated economic and epidemiological approach. We develop and estimate a spatial, micro-founded model of the joint evolution of economic variables and the spread of an epidemic. We empirically discipline the model using new U.S. county-level data on health, mobility, employment outcomes, and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) at a daily frequency. Absent policy or medical interventions, the model predicts an initial period of exponential growth in new cases, followed by a protracted period of roughly constant case levels and reduced economic activity. Nevertheless, if vaccine development proved impossible, and suppression cannot entirely eradicate the disease, a utilitarian policymaker cannot improve significantly over the laissez-faire equilibrium by using lockdowns. Conversely, if a vaccine will arrive within two years, NPIs can improve upon the laissez-faire outcome by dramatically decreasing the number of infectious agents and keeping infections low until vaccine arrival. Mitigation measures that reduce viral transmission (e.g., mask-wearing) both reduce the virus's spread and increase economic activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Bognanni & Doug Hanley & Daniel Kolliner & Kurt Mitman, 2026. "Economics and Epidemics: Evidence from an Estimated Spatial Econ-SIR Model," Papers 2607.28348, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2607.28348
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    References listed on IDEAS

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