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COVID-19: A Tale of Two Countries

May 6, 2020

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Why are there such significant differences between the COVID-19 death rates by country? While scientists don’t yet know the answers, the available data suggest that the differences are not fully explained by how countries have responded to the pandemic. In particular, the start, length, or even the existence of a countrywide lockdown may not be highly correlated with the death rate by country.

This Event Brief explores the effectiveness of strict national lockdown orders, like those imposed by Belgium, and more sustainable policies, like those instituted by Sweden, during the COVID-19 pandemic.