part 1 considering the relationship, if any, between state restriction policies and infection rates. We are interested in this because economists now believe that controlling the pandemic is a key to economic growth. Our ultimate question is whether state restrictive policies were a useful tool to control infections.

But first we need to describe what economists believe concerning the relationship between economic growth and the pandemic, and what the evidence is. That is the purpose of part 1. The required elements:

1. Explain the belief that the economy cannot grow unless the pandemic is controlled. This must be based on outside sources which must be cited. Media sources are appropriate.
2. Provide evidence on economic growth in 2021 that shows how the economy changedconsidering element 1. This must be cited as well. Media sources and/or data sources can be used.

Proper citation is mandatory. 2 pages writing