> What effect on the economy do you expect would come of that?
On the economy? Very little. Most of the people dying are not in the job market any more nor are they big consumers. It might even reduce the load slightly on Social Security and Medicare.
No, the risk of letting a couple million extra people die this year is a social/moral one, not an economic one IMO.
Even in countries with no lockdown in place, economic activity is way down.
For instance in Sweden, at least when I read about it a few days ago, restaurants and everything were still open.
If I remember correctly, they had between 10-20% of the usual activity.
Even if it's not mandated, people don't want to take the risk, either for others or for themselves.
All of this to say: I don't think the options are between close the economy to save people (at least short term), and don't close the economy and bear the hit.
The latest one is not an option, the economy will mostly shut down by itself
On the economy? Very little. Most of the people dying are not in the job market any more nor are they big consumers. It might even reduce the load slightly on Social Security and Medicare.
No, the risk of letting a couple million extra people die this year is a social/moral one, not an economic one IMO.