Containing COVID-19 in Developing Countries

Compared to what we thought six months ago, the economic outlook has worsened significantly in some emerging market and low-income economies where infections are rising rapidly. Consequently, these economies, excluding China, are projected to incur a greater loss of output over 2020-21 relative to the pre-pandemic projected path when compared to advanced economies. These uneven recoveries significantly worsen the prospects for global convergence in income levels. But how are policymakers responding to this crisis like no other? What should be the priorities to save lives and livelihoods? What remaining policy tools can keep their economies stable until there is a widely available vaccine? After Marc Lipsitch’s presentation, there will be two expert panel discussions titled “Pandemic Policies for People,” “The IMF Listens,” and “Healing the Scars.” Join here.