Graduation Year

2021

Date of Submission

5-2021

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Economics

Reader 1

Professor Yaron Raviv

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© 2021 Xinran Xing

Abstract

This paper analyzes Google mobility data to investigate state-level mobility trends in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from graphical and empirical evidence, we find statistically significant mobility reductions beyond what has been done voluntarily by the public across location categories after enacting statewide stay-at-home orders. We notice that implementing the order has a more significant impact than lifting the order. Moreover, we observe differential effects for states’ responses to stay-at-home orders. The socioeconomic characteristics of the state can partly explain such variations. Our results show that states with a larger share of the senior population, a larger share of the population with bachelor degrees, a higher median household income, a smaller household size, and a lower rate of internet access are more responsive to stay-at-home orders. The findings bear important policy implications in designing reopening schemes and future social distancing mandates to combat public health crises.

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