Many models from epidemiology are not designed to capture tradeoffs between health and economic well-being and few are equipped to predict how these tradeoffs interact with individuals' preferences to influence behavior. Policies based on such models may not reflect societal preferences or...

Ausgerechnet in Zeiten von Ausgangssperren und weltweiten Grenzschließungen wird die Forschung offener denn je. Doch wie nachhaltig sind die Veränderungen?

We derive a model in which firms operate in an epidemic environment and internalize infections among their employees in the workplace. The model is calibrated to fit the properties of the Covid-19 epidemic. We show that firms have incentives to fight against infections and can do so very...

Building on the epidemiological SIR model we present an economic model with heterogeneous individuals deriving utility from social contacts creating infection risks. Focusing on social distancing of individuals susceptible to an infection we theoretically analyze the gap between private and...

Around the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned daily live upside down since social distancing is probably the most effective means of containing the virus until herd immunity is reached. Social norms have been shown to be an important determinant of social distancing behaviors. By conducting...

We test the effectiveness of a social comparison nudge to enhance lockdown compliance during the Covid-19 pandemic, using a representative sample of the metropolitan French adult population (N=1154). Respondents were randomly assigned to a favourable/unfavourable informational feedback (daily...