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Testing Policies During an Epidemic

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Abstract

I simulate a stochastic SIR-Macro model to study the effects of different testing policies to isolate and quarantine the infectious during an epidemic. I show that contact tracing performs better than random screenings, and than tests on a voluntary basis, only conditionally on having enough capacity to frequently process a large number of tests. Since the testing capacity is difficult to build in the short run through investments, I study the effects of two alternatives: group testing and the use of less sensitive tests. Both strategies, when combined with contact tracing, can significantly smooth the peak of the epidemic, ease the pressure on hospitals, decrease mortality and reduce the overall output loss. I also show that the gains are higher in case of an endogenous reduction of social activities in response to the epidemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Flaviano Russo, 2020. "Testing Policies During an Epidemic," CSEF Working Papers 591, Centre for Studies in Economics and Finance (CSEF), University of Naples, Italy.
    • Handle: RePEc:sef:csefwp:591
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    1. Manski, Charles F. & Molinari, Francesca, 2021. "Estimating the COVID-19 infection rate: Anatomy of an inference problem," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 220(1), pages 181-192.
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    8. Collard, Fabrice & Hellwig, Christian & Assenza, Tiziana & Kankanamge, Sumudu & Dupaigne, Martial & Werquin, Nicolas & Feve, Patrick, 2020. "The Hammer and the Dance: Equilibrium and Optimal Policy during a Pandemic Crisis," CEPR Discussion Papers 14731, Centre for Economic Policy Research.
    9. Andrew Atkeson, 2020. "What Will be the Economic Impact of COVID-19 in the US? Rough Estimates of Disease Scenarios," Staff Report 595, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
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    Cited by:

    1. Francesco Flaviano Russo, 2023. "Epidemics and policy: the dismal trade-offs," Economia Politica: Journal of Analytical and Institutional Economics, Springer;Fondazione Edison, vol. 40(2), pages 561-588, July.

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    JEL classification:

    • E1 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models
    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • H12 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Crisis Management

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