Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

Coronavirus dashboard for April 1

Coronavirus dashboard for April 1 by New Deal democrat Here is the update through yesterday (March 31) Over 75% of the US population is now under lockdown, and it appears to be lowering the rate of exponential growth of new infections. Based on South Korea’s experience, a ratio of 15:1 in total tests to results […]

“Wow, that’s something,”

A presidential comment on New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham concerns: Grisham: “We’re seeing incredible spikes in the Navajo Nation, and this is going to be an issue where we’re going to have to figure that out and think about maybe testing and surveillance opportunities, The rate of infection, at least on the New Mexico side […]

Mass testing for Covid-19: economics, politics, and policy options

The Covid-19 epidemic is creating a painful dilemma for policymakers.  On the one hand, we need to practice social distancing to keep people healthy and to prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed.  Unfortunately, this strategy is causing a severe economic contraction as people avoid contact with others. An ideal response to this dilemma would have […]

Coronavirus dashboard for March 28: testing falls further behind

Coronavirus dashboard for March 28: testing falls further behind- by New Deal democrat Here is the update through yesterday (March 27) In order to succeed in containing the pandemic, I believe that the US needs 2 weeks of China (nearly complete lockdown) followed by at least a month of South Korea (very aggressive and widespread […]

Coronavirus dashboard for March 27: (unsurprisingly) voluntary distancing appears to be failing

Coronavirus dashboard for March 27: (unsurprisingly) voluntary distancing appears to be failing Here is the update through yesterday (March 26) In order to succeed in containing the pandemic, I believe that the US needs 2 weeks of China (nearly complete lockdown) followed by at least a month of South Korea (very aggressive and widespread testing). […]

Self Quarantine in Rhode Island Like it or Not

This came up on the radar this morning. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island is questioning the constitutionality of Gov. Gina Raimondo’s directive allowing state police to stop vehicles with New York license plates to collect information from drivers and passengers in an effort to slow the spread of […]