This website uses cookies.

By clicking the "Accept" button or continuing to browse our site, you agree to first-party and session-only cookies being stored on your device to enhance site navigation and analyze site performance and traffic. For more information on our use of cookies, please see our Privacy Policy.

  1. Home
  2. Journals
  3. AEA Papers and Proceedings
  4. May 2022
  5. Masks and Trolleys in San Francisco during the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

Masks and Trolleys in San Francisco during the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

  • François R. Velde
AEA Papers and Proceedings
vol. 112, May 2022
(pp. 205-08)
Download Full Text PDF

Abstract

I analyze daily data on deaths and on mobility (ridership of electric railways) in the city of San Francisco in 1918−1919, using a model that combines a standard epidemiological component, agents who choose economic activity taking infection risk into account, and exogenous restrictions on activity (lockdowns). Masks were imposed twice but restrictions on activity were imposed only once. I use this to estimate the impact of masks on transmission. The behavioral feedback is important in capturing the dynamics of the epidemic, and masks appear to have been effective.

Citation

Velde, François R. 2022. "Masks and Trolleys in San Francisco during the 1918 Influenza Epidemic." AEA Papers and Proceedings, 112: 205-08. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20221079

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • I12 Health Behavior
  • I18 Health: Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
  • L92 Railroads and Other Surface Transportation
  • N32 Economic History: Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy: U.S.; Canada: 1913-
  • N72 Economic History: Transport, Trade, Energy, Technology, and Other Services: U.S.; Canada: 1913-
  • N92 Regional and Urban History: U.S.; Canada: 1913-