Are less aggressive national lockdowns in COVID-19 associated with enhanced economic activity?

摘要

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), most countries introduced strong infection control measures such as nationwide lockdowns, but some prioritized economic activity over infection control assuming a trade-off between them. Actually, Japan focused on only finding clusters and tracing strategy without rigorous testing for the public, did not enforce a lockdown with penalties, and promoted domestic travel through “Go to Travel and Eat campaigns” to mitigate economic damage until the end of 2020. Also, Sweden did not close bars, restaurants, and other public spaces, and actively discouraged people from wearing face masks, which some experts described as a “herd immunity” strategy.