Lockdowns in developing countries should focus on shielding the elderly

Lockdowns in developing countries should focus on shielding the elderly Alon, Titan; Kim, Minki; Lagakos, David; Vanvuren, Mitch The COVID-19 pandemic has led to dramatic policy responses in most advanced economies, and in particular sustained lockdowns matched with sizable transfers to workers. This column discuss the extent to which developing countries should try to replicate these policies. Due to differences in labour market informality, fiscal capacity, healthcare infrastructure, and demographics, blanket lockdowns appear less effective in developing countries. Age-targeted policies – where the young are allowed to work while the old are shielded from the virus – can potentially save both more lives and livelihoods.