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COVID-19 Infection Spread and Human Mobility

Author

Listed:
  • Masahiko Shibamoto

    (Research Institute for Economics and Business Administration(RIEB), Kobe University, JAPAN)

  • Shoka Hayaki

    (Graduate School of Business Administration, Kobe University, JAPAN)

  • Yoshitaka Ogisu

    (Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University, JAPAN)

Abstract

Given that real-world infection-spread scenarios pose many uncertainties, and predictions and simulations may differ from reality, this study explores factors essential for more realistically describing an infection situation. It furnishes three approaches to the argument that human mobility can create an acceleration of the spread of COVID-19 infection and its cyclicality under the simultaneous relationship. First, the study presents a dynamic model comprising the infection–mobility trade-off and mobility demand, where an increase in human mobility can cause infection explosion and where, conversely, an increase in new infections can be made temporary by suppressing mobility. Second, using time-series data for Japan, it presents empirical evidence for a stochastic trend and cycle in new infection cases. Third, it employs macroeconometrics to ascertain the feasibility of our model’s predictions. Accordingly, from March 2020 to May 2021, the sources of COVID-19 infection spread in Japan varied significantly over time, and each change in the trend and cycle of new infection cases explained approximately half the respective variation.

Suggested Citation

  • Masahiko Shibamoto & Shoka Hayaki & Yoshitaka Ogisu, 2021. "COVID-19 Infection Spread and Human Mobility," Discussion Paper Series DP2021-16, Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration, Kobe University, revised Feb 2022.
    • Handle: RePEc:kob:dpaper:dp2021-16
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    File URL: https://www.rieb.kobe-u.ac.jp/academic/ra/dp/English/DP2021-16.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ueda, Kozo, 2024. "Household spending responses to two-time COVID-19 payments," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    2. Higo, Masahiro & Shiratsuka, Shigenori, 2023. "Consumer price measurement under the first wave of the COVID-19 spread in Japan: Scanner data evidence for retailers in Tokyo," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    3. Kikuchi, Junichi & Nagao, Ryoya & Nakazono, Yoshiyuki, 2023. "Expenditure responses to the COVID-19 pandemic," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    4. Masahiro Higo & Shigenori Shiratsuka, 2022. "Was Inflation Observed under the First Wave of the COVID-19 Spread in Japan? Scanner Data Evidence for Retailers in Tokyo," Keio-IES Discussion Paper Series 2022-013, Institute for Economics Studies, Keio University.
    5. Morgan, Peter J. & Long, Trinh Q. & Kim, Kunhyui, 2025. "Impacts of COVID-19 on households in ASEAN countries: Medium-run impacts and their implications for human capital development," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    6. Cody Yu-Ling Hsiao & Stanley Iat-Meng Ko & Nan Zhou, 2022. "Financial relief policy and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic," PLOS Global Public Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 2(6), pages 1-11, June.

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    JEL classification:

    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General

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