Apr 23, 2020

A long lockdown makes economic sense

Economists say the cost of extended lockdowns will be less than the cost of a mass reopening. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Do unemployment benefits cover the cost of living? Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says states should be allowed to go bankrupt. One economist's model shows how costly staying open with no lockdown would be for the U.S.

Segments From this episode

COVID-19

Do unemployment benefits in the time of COVID-19 cover the cost of living?

by Mitchell Hartman

Apr 23, 2020

Those dollars stretch farther in some states than others.

The benefits vary from state to state, though right now, recipients also qualify for $600 a week in federal pandemic unemployment benefits.

Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

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EEC: Econ 101

Economists are measuring the cost effectiveness of coronavirus lockdowns

by David Brancaccio and Rose Conlon

Apr 23, 2020

New research shows a long lockdown could be cheaper than reopening too soon.

One economist says the way forward is "smart containment," somewhere in between total lockdown and a free-for-all.

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Krewe Lettuce

The team

David Brancaccio Host

Victoria Craig Host, BBC

Stephen Ryan Senior Producer, BBC

Jonathan Frewin Producer, BBC

Daniel Shin Producer

Jay Siebold Technical Director

Brian Allison Engineer

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Rose Conlon Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

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