The Economist The stark choices between life, death and the economy

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From: The Economist this week - Thursday Apr 02, 2020 05:15 pm
Covid-19 presents a miasma of trade-offs. Although it sounds hard-hearted, a dollar figure on life, or at least some way of thinking systematically, is precisely what leaders will need
   
April 2nd 2020 Read in browser
   
  The Economist this week  
 
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  As the pandemic begins to rage in the United States, our cover this week tackles the grim choices covid-19 presents between life, death and, ultimately, the economy. The virus throws up a miasma of trade-offs: should medical resources go to covid-19 patients or those suffering from other diseases? Some unemployment and bankruptcy is a price worth paying, but how much? If extreme social distancing fails to stop the disease, how long should it persist? The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, has declared: “We’re not going to put a dollar figure on human life.” It was a rallying-cry from a courageous man whose state is overwhelmed. But although it sounds hard-hearted, a dollar figure on life, or at least some way of thinking systematically, is precisely what leaders will need if they are to see their way through the harrowing months to come.

 To read these stories visit economist.com/coronavirus, which features all of our coverage of the virus and its consequences. And look out for a special edition of this newsletter on Saturday. 		 
 
  Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-In-Chief  
     
Must-reads from the current edition
 
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Great white night
Governments are once again splurging to keep big companies afloat

Authorities ponder which companies to bail out—and how
Business
 
 
 
Fatal flaws
The death toll from covid-19 appears higher than official figures suggest

Measuring the total number of deaths tells a grimmer tale
Graphic detail
 
 
 
Anatomy of an investing bubble
Exit unicorns, pursued by bears

The pandemic rams home what markets already felt: technology unicorns are headed for a fall. The consequences will not all be bad
Briefing
 
 
 
Maduro rap
The unintended consequences of indicting Nicolás Maduro

The threat to jail Venezuela’s dictator may make it harder to remove him
The Americas
 
 
 
Under pressure
Lockdowns in Asia have sparked a stampede home

Many migrant workers face hardship
Asia
 
 
 
Gas, guns and guerrillas
Jihadists threaten Mozambique’s new gasfields

The government’s response to a mysterious revolt is cruel and ineffective
Middle East and Africa
 
 
 
Medical innovation
Formula 1 comes up with a breathing machine for covid-19 patients

Racing-car engineers are applying their expertise to medicine
Science and technology
 
Scientists advising the American government about the covid-19 outbreak predicted that between 100,000 and 240,000 Americans could die, even with partial lockdowns and social-distancing measures in place. Donald Trump warned his compatriots “to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead”. The United States now has more reported infections than any other country. New York City has recorded more deaths from the coronavirus than all but half a dozen countries. Lagging behind other states, Florida at last ordered people to stay at home.
 March was the best month on record for British supermarkets, with sales rising by a fifth compared with the same month in 2019, according to retail research. Sales of frozen food were up by 84% (Iceland’s revenue rose the most among the big chains). With pubs closed, alcohol sales jumped by an intoxicating 67%. An analysis of global search trends over March showed a sharp rise of interest in eco toilet paper, bidets, weights equipment and bulk ammunition.
 
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