Modeling COVID-19 Policies

Karim Chichakly looks at the efficacy of two policies aimed at protecting both lives and the economy during COVID-19:

1. Vertical isolation, a policy endorsed by President Bolsonaro in April 2020 as a way to reopen the Brazilian economy despite a large number of infections

2. The CARES Act in the United States, meant to help both businesses and individuals survive the extended lockdown from March to June 2020

Do either of these policies meet their objectives? I.e., does vertical isolation keep the economy thriving while protecting the lives of the citizens? In the face of stay-at-home orders, do the provisions of the CARES Act protect both businesses and the livelihood of citizens in the short and medium term?