sychosomat

Hello Dr. Krugman, thank you for doing this. I have a broad question that deals with how you feel about the scientific process in economics and the impact this has on determining the best fiscal policy.

It seems extremely difficult to determine the best economic policy for a country when economics appears unable to test the veracity of macroeconomic claims empirically using experiments designed to verify causality and effect size. This leaves the door open to a vast amount of debate about what the “best practices” are in macroeconomics, as individuals can make use of a massive amount of data (correlation and regressions, historical examples, etc.) to support what they see as the proper role of the government in setting economic policy.

If there is so much data, which can be interpreted post-hoc in many different ways, and is incapable of being experimentally tested, how do we determine what is not only good science, but “best practices” in macroeconomics?

Thank you!

Are you interested in being tested for infection or getting treatment for the disease? If the former, check you local area for the requirements to be tested. In the US, the local state or city will likely tell you the requirements and steps to take.

If you are sick and wondering when to go to the hospital, it is important to note there is no way to slow the disease down right now (though many RCTs are under way to try to find effective treatments). The only therapies being used are “supportive therapies,” which essentially amounts to keeping people fed, hydrated, and resting in mild cases. However, around 20% of people with COVID-19 develop shortness of breath and have a hard time breathing. This is the reason most people end up dying, respiratory issues. This is the symptom that I have seen doctors recommend seeking treatment (I.e., hospitalization) for, as respiratory issues are a huge concern and supportive therapy in a hospital/ICU can involved assistive oxygen treatment or ventilation in severe cases where the person isn’t getting enough air. All of this is a long way to say call your doctor and get their opinion, but what I have seen generally is that if you’re at the point where breathing becomes difficult, that is the time to seem a higher level of care. This will all depend on your level of risk, severity, insurance situation, local hospital resources, etc.