As a human tragedy unfolds, as governments face an unprecedented crisis and as we anticipate a
forthcoming economic catastrophe, we are watching, studying and reacting as researchers situated
at the junction of economic and social policies. The first economic consequences of the COVID-19
pandemic are already felt. Although policymakers are in uncharted territory, the first economic
response measures are starting to be implemented. No preceding crisis in the recent times has had
such a worldwide impact and it may perhaps be the time for bold measures. At the Department of
Applied Economics of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (DULBEA, @dulbea_ulb) we have long and
broad experience in supporting Belgian public institutions as they draw up public policies. In this
context, we are preparing every two-weeks an updated short overview of the latest papers and
insights on the economic consequences of the COVID-19 for policymakers, other researchers and
concerned citizens. The first one can be found here… Enjoy the new one below.

by Laura López Forés, Department of Applied Economics of the Université Libre de Bruxelles
(DULBEA) (Laura.Lopez.Fores@ulb.ac.be, dulbea@ulb.be)