Economic Activity and the Value of Medical Innovation During a Pandemic

23 Pages Posted: 28 Apr 2020 Last revised: 10 Jun 2023

See all articles by Casey B. Mulligan

Casey B. Mulligan

University of Chicago; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Date Written: April 2020

Abstract

The “shutdown” economy of April 2020 is compared to a normally functioning economy both in terms of market and nonmarket activities. Three novel methods and data indicate that the shutdown puts market production 25-28 percent below normal in the short run. At an annual rate, the shutdown is costing $7 trillion, or about $15,000 per household per quarter. Employment already fell 28 million by early April 2020. These costs indicate, among other things, the value of innovation in both health and general business sectors that can accelerate the time when normal activity resumes.

Suggested Citation

Mulligan, Casey B., Economic Activity and the Value of Medical Innovation During a Pandemic (April 2020). NBER Working Paper No. w27060, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3586192

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