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Poverty and Economic Dislocation Reduce Compliance with COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Protocols

Author

Listed:
  • Austin L. Wright

    (University of Chicago - Harris School of Public Policy)

  • Konstantin Sonin

    (University of Chicago - Harris School of Public Policy)

  • Jesse Driscoll

    (University of California at San Diego)

  • Jarnickae Wilson

    (University of Chicago - Harris School of Public Policy)

Abstract

Shelter-in-place policies reduce social contact and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In-consistent compliance with social distancing creates local and regional interpersonal trans-mission risks. Using county-day measures on population movement derived from cellphone location data, we investigate whether compliance with local shelter-in-place ordinances varies across US counties with different economic endowments. Our theoretical model implies economic endowments will influence compliance with social distancing. We find evidence that low income areas do comply less than counties with stronger economic endowments. Findings suggest targeted economic relief could improve future compliance with public health interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Austin L. Wright & Konstantin Sonin & Jesse Driscoll & Jarnickae Wilson, 2020. "Poverty and Economic Dislocation Reduce Compliance with COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Protocols," Working Papers 2020-40, Becker Friedman Institute for Research In Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bfi:wpaper:2020-40
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; shelter-in-place; compliance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H12 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Crisis Management
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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