Challenges Estimating Total Lives Lost in COVID-19 Decisions
Tyler J. VanderWeele
Abstract
This Viewpoint discusses how COVID-19–related policy decisions lead to trade-offs between medical, economic, social, and psychological outcomes, and emphasizes the need to account for deaths associated with unemployment and depression when estimating excess mortality.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Unemployment2019-20 coronavirus outbreakDepression (economics)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Actuarial scienceDemographic economicsEconomic growthVirologyMacroeconomicsEconomicsDiseasePathologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)OutbreakEmployment and Welfare StudiesHealth disparities and outcomesGlobal Health Care Issues