Part 6/15:

The Complex Balance Between Public Health and Economic Activity

A core challenge highlighted by Rajan concerns managing COVID-19 in densely populated urban centers worldwide. While strict lockdowns help curb virus spread, they also come with enormous economic costs—particularly in sectors like tourism, hospitality, and informal labor markets crucial in developing countries.

"Even in a poor country like India, measures such as neighborhood watch groups have helped contain the virus," Rajan notes, emphasizing the importance of tailored, context-specific strategies. In developing nations, traditional lockdowns may be infeasible, requiring innovative approaches that balance health safety and economic necessity.