Rational policymaking during a pandemic

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Jan 26;118(4):e2012704118. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2012704118.

Abstract

Policymaking during a pandemic can be extremely challenging. As COVID-19 is a new disease and its global impacts are unprecedented, decisions are taken in a highly uncertain, complex, and rapidly changing environment. In such a context, in which human lives and the economy are at stake, we argue that using ideas and constructs from modern decision theory, even informally, will make policymaking a more responsible and transparent process.

Keywords: ambiguity; model uncertainty; robustness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Pandemics
  • Policy Making*
  • Quarantine / methods
  • Schools
  • Uncertainty