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Is large-scale rapid CoV-2 testing a substitute for lockdowns? The case of Tübingen

Author

Listed:
  • Marc Diederichs

    (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)

  • Peter G. Kremsner

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Timo Mitze

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Gernot Müller

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Dominik Papies

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Felix Schulz

    (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)

  • Klaus Wälde

    (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)

Abstract

Various forms of contact restriction have been adopted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Only recently, rapid testing appeared as a new policy instrument. If sufficiently effective, it may serve as a substitute for contact restrictions. Against this background we evaluate the effects of a unique policy experiment: on March 16, the city of Tuebingen set up a rapid testing scheme while relaxing lockdown measures|in sharp contrast to its German peers. Comparing case rates in Tuebingen county to an appropriately defined control unit over a four-week period, we find an increase in the reported case rate, robustly across alternative specifications. However, the increase is temporary and about one half of it recects cases that would have gone undetected in the absence of extra testing

Suggested Citation

  • Marc Diederichs & Peter G. Kremsner & Timo Mitze & Gernot Müller & Dominik Papies & Felix Schulz & Klaus Wälde, 2021. "Is large-scale rapid CoV-2 testing a substitute for lockdowns? The case of Tübingen," Working Papers 2104, Gutenberg School of Management and Economics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
    • Handle: RePEc:jgu:wpaper:2104
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eichenbaum, Martin S. & Rebelo, Sergio & Trabandt, Mathias, 2022. "The macroeconomics of testing and quarantining," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models

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