A short article that makes the case that easing restrictions won't automatically restart the economy, because people won't start going out again until they feel safe in doing so:
...the essential variable in “flattening the curve” isn’t central planning but behavior change. Many businesses closed down well before they were ordered to. Millions of people practiced social distancing and refused to get on planes not because they were commanded to, but because they were convinced this was a wise course of action for themselves and their loved ones.
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Information doesn’t just come from governments. The death tolls in Italy and New York probably did more to change behavior on the ground than all of Trump’s press conferences or Dr. Anthony Fauci’s TV appearances.
And this raises another complication for those who think the government can just “re-open” the economy with the flick of a switch. Trump and all of the governors could lift the stay-at-home orders and federal advisories tomorrow. That wouldn’t necessarily fill the restaurants, airplanes or stadiums. People would still need to be convinced it’s safe. Such persuasion comes via clear, believable information, not orders from on high.
https://thedispatch.com/p/central-planning-hasnt-flattened Certainly it will be a gradual transition, but for me personally and I think many people, I will be right back out there the second I can because staying at home sucks for so many reasons. I will gladly take a slight risk to my health to go enjoy my life with friends/coworkers/etc.
