A man wearing a face mask looks at his phone while waiting at Dulles International Airport in Virginia, March 12, 2020. Photo by Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Misinformation Is Spreading Along with the Virus

“Truth Decay,” the diminishing role of facts and analysis in American public life, has been especially apparent during the coronavirus outbreak. In a new Q&A, RAND's Jennifer Kavanagh explains how low trust in institutions, simmering fears, and a high volume of assertions by people who are not experts—but claim to be—have created a perfect storm for misinformation. If we don't make both individual and policy decisions based on the facts, then there may be serious consequences. Read more »

A man wears a mask while walking past the New York Stock Exchange, March 17, 2020. Photo by Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Can the U.S. Economy Survive Social Distancing?

Social distancing in response to the coronavirus outbreak has brought U.S. business activity to a grinding halt, and the stock market has seen its sharpest decline since 1987. The White House and Congress are working on economic stimulus plans aimed at limiting the economic toll on businesses and individuals. What type of stimulus works in situations like this? Can the U.S. economy avoid a lasting recession? What sectors of the economy need resources most urgently? We asked RAND researchers these questions and more. Read more »

Photo by Courtney Hale/Getty Images

How Telemedicine Could Help Infectious Disease Control

Telemedicine has been around for decades, but it has yet to transform health care. In fact, less than 10 percent of U.S. adults have ever had a virtual doctor's visit. The coronavirus crisis could be a tipping point, say RAND experts. Telemedicine still faces regulatory barriers that may hamper its widespread use, and there are some potential risks to expanding virtual visits in certain ways. But telemedicine is an ideal option for infectious disease control: It supports social distancing and can help with triage. Telemedicine could play a key role in responding to this unprecedented crisis. Read more »

A traveler takes a nap at Galeão International Airport following reports of the coronavirus, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 6, 2020. Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters

Why Prioritizing Sleep Is So Important Right Now

With schools closed and many people working from home if they can, Americans' daily schedules have changed drastically. This can wreak havoc on sleep, says RAND's Wendy Troxel. But there are steps you can take to get the sleep you need—and help support your well-being and immune system. Troxel recommends setting a schedule for yourself and your family, exercising, staying connected (virtually), and doing a good deed for someone else. Read more »

University of California, Berkeley professors look at a screen showing students in their online collaborative innovation course, March 12, 2020. Photo by Nathan Frandino/Reuters

Will Learning Ever Be the Same After COVID-19?

In response to COVID-19, many colleges and universities have replaced face-to-face instruction with online learning. This may be viewed as temporary, but according to RAND experts, it's actually accelerating a shift toward distance learning that was already taking place. As technologies mature, this approach could help make higher education more accessible and more affordable in the long run. It's also possible that the U.S. higher education marketplace eventually splits into a “luxury” segment that provides the classic residential undergraduate experience and a lower-cost online or blended model. Read more »