This week, we discuss RAND experts' insights about COVID-19's devastating effects on the economy—and what recovery might look like; how to make America’s blood supply more sustainable; why Gaza's water crisis makes it harder to fight the pandemic; college and career readiness in a time of uncertainty; supporting small and medium-sized businesses in the wake of COVID-19; and the 10-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (left) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (right) meet with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin about coronavirus economic aid legislation, Washington, D.C., March 20, 2020
Photo by Mary F. Calvert/Reuters
COVID-19's Economic Wallop: Q&A with RAND Experts
The speed at which large swaths of the U.S. economy have shut down this month is unprecedented. President Trump has just signed a $2 trillion aid package—the largest in U.S. history—to provide some economic relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes direct payments to Americans, jobless benefits, and $500 billion for struggling businesses, among other measures.
In a new Q&A, RAND researchers discuss how this money might be best allocated to help the U.S. economy recover. They also explore how much the country can afford, how the current crisis compares to the 2008 recession, the most important steps that cities and business communities can take right now, and much more.
Photo by JarekJoepera/Getty Images
Strengthening the U.S. Blood Supply
A 2016 RAND report explored how a global pandemic could disrupt the U.S. blood supply. And now, this scenario is playing out in real life, as the spread of COVID-19 has led to canceled blood drives and fewer individual donations. What can be done to improve the long-term sustainability of America's blood supply? The authors concluded that more government oversight could help safeguard the supply and prevent future shortages.
A Palestinian worker sanitizes the hands of a customer at a supermarket in Gaza City, March 8, 2020
Photo by Mohammed Salem/Reuters
How Gaza's Water Crisis Makes It Harder to Fight the Pandemic
This week, Palestinian health officials confirmed the first cases of COVID-19 in the Gaza Strip. This is especially concerning, because Gaza—one of the most densely populated places in the world—faces a severe water crisis. A 2018 RAND report assessed this problem and found that the people of Gaza lack access to potable water that can be used for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, plus a lack of wastewater sanitation. Without clean water, handwashing—one of the most basic and effective tools for stopping the spread of the virus—may be rendered ineffective.
A sign in front of Bothell High School, which closed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Bothell, Washington State, March 3, 2020
Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Reuters
College and Career Readiness in a Time of Uncertainty
Today's COVID-19 response will likely have long-term effects. According to the authors of a new RAND report, this means that we can't lose sight of young people who are preparing to start college or their careers. Unfortunately, the pandemic has exposed our reliance on schools as the delivery mechanism for readiness support. It has also highlighted and potentially exacerbated disparities. However, the study offers some guiding principles for educators and policymakers that could help.
A man wearing a mask walks through closed stores in Shanghai, China, February 4, 2020
Photo by Aly Song/Reuters
Supporting Businesses in the Wake of COVID-19: Lessons from China
COVID-19 reached its peak in China in mid-February. Since then, Beijing has focused on restarting the economy. But small and medium-sized businesses in China still face serious challenges, including a broken supply chain, cash flow and revenue issues, and continued regulations that protect public health—but limit commerce. In a recent congressional testimony, RAND's Jennifer Bouey explained how China's experience can offer lessons for the United States.
President Barack Obama signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act at the White House, March 23, 2010
Photo by Pete Souza/White House
The Affordable Care Act: 10 Years Later
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law 10 years ago this week. The ACA expanded health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans by creating individual and small business insurance marketplaces and by broadening eligibility for Medicaid. But implementation of the law was met with many obstacles, including legal challenges and delays to key provisions. Over the last decade, RAND researchers analyzed the ACA from many different angles—and helped shed light on its effects.
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