Local Lockdowns for a Better Economy

Research by University of Nottingham’s John Gathergood and Chicago Booth PhD candidate Benedict Guttman-Kenney suggests that local lockdowns are less damaging to the economy than uniform national shutdowns.

The initial reaction to the pandemic in March by UK prime minister Boris Johnson was a lockdown for England, which meant shops, restaurants, and pubs were shut and travel was limited to essential work and grocery runs.

Later local lockdowns were implemented. This meant restricted personal interactions but with much less effect to overall commerce. Restaurants and other places were open but patrons dined outside and only in small groups. And, each household kept to itself so there was no socializing. These lockdowns also took place at different times in different areas depending on the coronavirus cases.

Researchers found that these local lockdowns slowed the spread of the virus while also allowing the economy to chug along.