Throwing caution to the wind: How hurricanes affect COVID‐19 spread

This study exploits the pathway of Hurricane Laura to assess its impact on the spread of COVID‐19. Using US hospital data on confirmed and suspected adult COVID‐19 cases, we find average daily cases per week rose by more than 12% primarily in tropical storm‐affected counties in subsequent weeks. We...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health economics 2022-06, Vol.31 (6), p.1258-1265
Main Authors: Tracey, Marlon, Plemmons, Alicia, Belasen, Ariel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Counties
COVID-19
Health economics
Hurricanes
Low income groups
Mobility
pandemic
Policy making
Short
SHORT RESEARCH ARTICLES
Socioeconomic status
Storms
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Summary:This study exploits the pathway of Hurricane Laura to assess its impact on the spread of COVID‐19. Using US hospital data on confirmed and suspected adult COVID‐19 cases, we find average daily cases per week rose by more than 12% primarily in tropical storm‐affected counties in subsequent weeks. We suspect the key mechanisms involve constraints on social distancing for two reasons. First, there is significant evidence of storm‐induced mobility. Second, lower income areas endured higher growth in hospital cases during the post‐hurricane period. These findings provide crucial insights for policy‐makers when designing natural disaster protocols to adjust for potential respiratory viral illnesses.
ISSN:1057-9230
1099-1050
DOI:10.1002/hec.4499