Journal of Economic Perspectives
ISSN 0895-3309 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7965 (Online)
Epidemiology's Time of Need: COVID-19 Calls for Epidemic-Related Economics
Journal of Economic Perspectives
(pp. 105–20)
(Complimentary)
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has catapulted scientific conversations and scientific divisions into the public consciousness. Epidemiology and economics have long operated in distinct silos, but the COVID-19 pandemic presents a complex and cross-disciplinary problem that impacts all facets of society. Many economists have recognized this and want to engage in efforts to mitigate and control the pandemic, but others seem more interested in attacking epidemiology than attacking the virus. As an epidemiologist, I call upon economists to join with us in combating COVID-19 and in preventing future pandemics. In this essay, I attempt to provide some insight for economists into how epidemiology works, where it doesn't work, and the much-needed answers that economists can help us obtain. I hope this will spur economists towards an epidemic-related economics that can provide a blueprint for a healthy economy and population.Citation
Murray, Eleanor J. 2020. "Epidemiology's Time of Need: COVID-19 Calls for Epidemic-Related Economics." Journal of Economic Perspectives 34 (4): 105–20. DOI: 10.1257/jep.34.4.105Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- I12 Health Behavior
- I18 Health: Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health