Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 6, 2021

The Immediate Effect of COVID-19 Policies on Social-Distancing Behavior in the United States

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Statewide stay-at-home policies had the strongest effect on reducing out-of-home mobility and increased the time people spent at home, according to a study employing difference-in-difference and event-study methodologies. Limits on restaurants and bars were the next highest ranked policy that increased presence at home. The other 4 policies assessed (limited stay-at-home orders, non-essential business closures, bans on large gatherings, school closure mandates) did not significantly reduce mobility.

Abouk and Heydari. (Jan 5, 2021). The Immediate Effect of COVID-19 Policies on Social-Distancing Behavior in the United States. Public Health Reports. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0033354920976575