Lockdowns are still the best economic response

During the pandemic NZ has spent less time restricted than most other nations. (Image: Getty)

Mon, 30 Aug 2021

This is my first level four pandemic lockdown in New Zealand. I was in England last year and witnessed the calamity of Boris Johnson’s ‘sort-of’ locking down.This time – nestled in my Wellington flat – it strikes me that the economics of hard and fast lockdowns can be elusive at first. “Let it run,” my group chat chimes. Followed by other messages. “The horse has surely bolted this time,” and “Maybe let’s just learn to live with it”.Alternative to lockdowns?It’s tempt...

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