Suppose that there are three kinds of individuals: the uninfected, the infected and symptomatic, and the infected but asymptomatic. Would there be differences in the marginal social benefit of restricting activity for the three individuals? If yes, how are they different from each other?
In order to suppress the spread of a viral disease, the government has resorted to nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) that restrict the mobility of individuals such as quarantine and lockdown. Provide an economic framework, based on private and social benefits and costs that could guide the government in selecting the appropriate form and level of NPI.
In the absence of a highly contagious disease, an individual engaging in activity x does not externalize any cost to others. In the presence of the disease, then an infected individual can transmit the disease to others during the performance of his or her activities.
Suppose that there are three kinds of individuals: the uninfected, the infected and symptomatic, and the infected but asymptomatic. Would there be differences in the marginal social benefit of restricting activity for the three individuals? If yes, how are they different from each other?
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