Anthony Chan

What is the best way to test the effectiveness of a new Covid-19 vaccine during the summer months?

What may be the best way to test the effectiveness of a new Covid-19 vaccine during the summer months? The importance of developing a successful vaccine should not be underestimated because to get the US economy back on its feet, we need consumers to be confident enough to go out and spend money. A recent survey of US Internet Users conducted in May 2020 by Coresight Research debunks the myth that economic activity is mostly being curtailed mostly by the US “Shelter in Place Orders.” This survey revealed that 68% of US adults plan to continue to avoid visiting public locations when the lockdown ends. Interestingly, a sizable share of US adults also plan to avoid: Shopping Centers (45%), Movie Theatres (44%), Sports Events (40%), Public Transport (40%) and even International Travel (37%). Such evidence suggests that when we finally introduce a new Covid-19 vaccine --- we better be sure it is effective! Otherwise, the public confidence that is so badly needed to re-start the US economy after the lockdown, may end up being a laggard and elongate the path towards a genuine economic recovery.