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Lars Jonung. Photo.

Lars Jonung

Professor emeritus

Lars Jonung. Photo.

Were COVID-19 lockdowns worth it? A meta-analysis

Author

  • Jonas Herby
  • Lars Jonung
  • Steve H. Hanke

Summary, in English

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented use of mandatory lockdowns—defined as the imposition of at least one compulsory, non-pharmaceutical intervention—took place. We conduct a meta-analysis to determine the effect of these lockdowns on COVID-19 mortality. Our meta-analysis finds that lockdowns in the spring of 2020 had a relatively small effect on COVID-19 mortality and is consistent with the view that voluntary changes in behavior, such as social distancing, played an important role in mitigating the pandemic. Given the enormous economic costs associated with lockdowns and our findings of the relatively small health benefits, the efficacy of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic is called into question.

Department/s

  • Department of Economics

Publishing year

2024-11-28

Language

English

Publication/Series

Public Choice

Volume

201

Issue

3-4

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Springer

Topic

  • Economics
  • Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Restrictions
  • Lockdown
  • on-pharmaceutical interventions
  • Mortality
  • Meta-analysis
  • I18
  • I38
  • D19

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0048-5829