Editor's note: This will be our last COVID-19 newsletter of 2020. You can look for the next edition in your inbox on January 8, 2021. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!
The United States is now rolling out COVID-19 vaccines to frontline healthcare workers and people in long-term care facilities. The rapid development of effective vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca represents a substantial scientific achievement. But what will it take for America to achieve herd immunity and return to normal life?
While recent polling data indicate that public willingness to take a COVID-19 vaccine has climbed to roughly 60%, it is still below where it needs to be. In a new post below, Robert Litan discusses some available options to help bridge the "vaccination gap," including paying $1,000 to Americans that take the shot.
In addition, Brookings experts look at some of the other ways COVID-19 is shaping U.S. society, offer actionable policies for recovery, discuss how criminal networks could subvert the fight against the pandemic, and more.
COVID-19 and American society
If necessary, pay people to get the vaccine. Public support for COVID-19 vaccines will likely grow over the next few months, but even with an aggressive public education campaign, it may be necessary to pursue vaccination payments as a Plan B, Robert Litan argues.
The coming baby bust. Whether it's restrictions on public gatherings or large structural changes in the economy, a number of recent factors will likely lead to a decrease in America's birth rate. Melissa Kearney and Phillip Levine predict there will be around 300,000 fewer births in 2021.
The housing inequality situation. The impact of COVID-19 on homeowners has gotten much worse, particularly for Black and Hispanic households and young adults, Yung Chun and Michal Grinstein-Weiss find.
Blueprints for recovery
A post-COVID plan for the middle class. The current crisis has highlighted the chronic economic problems facing million of Americans. To provide relief, Richard Reeves and Isabel Sawhill propose taxing wealth and providing scholarships for service.
Boosting long-run growth after COVID-19. Once the pandemic is under control, the problem of slow long-term economic growth will resurface. Martin Neil Baily offers several ways to jumpstart productivity.
The criminal threat to the fight against COVID-19. Interpol recently issued a global alert to warn its 194 members about organized crime networks targeting vaccines and antibody tests. As countries work to combat the pandemic, Vanda Felbab-Brown sheds light on the problems presented by criminal groups.
International Migrants Day and the coronavirus. Today on International Migrants Day, Omer Karasapan calls on nations to reaffirm the value of migrants and protect them so they are part of "building back better."
International organizations during the pandemic. International organizations like the World Health Organization have come under heavy fire during the COVID-19 crisis. Tana Johnson discusses how the performance of these global bodies should be gauged and addressed.
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