Pursuing a “zero Covid” strategy is best for health outcomes and the economy, but more countries need to commit to the programme for the leaders to get the full benefit, a European think-tank has concluded. The zero Covid strategy was showing “lasting positive effects”, it concluded. Andressa Anholete/Getty Images GDP declines were almost three times smaller in countries that have aimed to eliminate Covid. “The resulting resumption of economic activity accumulates its benefit over time.”Even hospitality and tourism businesses benefitted from an elimination strategy, it found. “Google data shows that traffic in cafes, restaurants, hotels, non-food businesses and leisure and cultural activities in general was down by 14 per cent in January and February, compared to 2020, in the countries applying the Zero Covid strategy.

Source: Stuff April 02, 2021 23:15 UTC