The Director's Blog
Thoughts from our Founding Director and other invited contributors.
There’s something interesting happening with North Carolina’s case numbers
There's something interesting happening with North Carolina's new coronavirus cases. The pattern was different in June than it has been so far in July, and we may be seeing the early signs of cases subsiding. 1. First, notice the sharp hi-lo weekly cycle in the data....
How Restrictive Are North Carolina’s COVID-19 Policies?
WalletHub released the latest edition of its 50-state ranking on restrictive COVID-19 policies. Many of the variables used in the study are heavily controversial in public discourse, including masking and school opening. Each of the many variables the authors cram...
WNC breweries seeing impact of can shortage
A perfect storm is brewing for beer producers in the form of short supply vs. high demand when it comes to packaging their products. Manufacturers of aluminum cans used for canning beer and soft drinks are in overdrive trying to keep pace with increased demand. A...
Why are recoveries increasing in the Sunbelt, especially in North Carolina?
In a new study as part of CSFE's COVID-19 research initiative, with co-authors Stephen Miller and Craig Richardson, we find that surging cases in Sunbelt states are not leading to surging hospitalizations or deaths. If anything, the growth rate of deaths is declining....
Do spikes in COVID-19 cases lead to spikes in deaths?
One crucial question is whether spikes in new daily cases are followed by later spikes in hospitalizations and deaths. Many have expressed grave concern about this possibility. Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb told Face the Nation last Sunday, “We’re right back...
Local businesses and chains are feeling the effects of economic rebalancing
Several local and chain businesses in Western North Carolina have announced permanent closures in recent weeks as the economy continues to struggle with the impact of the pandemic. In its recent coverage, WLOS News 13 reached out to Center For the Study of Free...
Dr. Edward Lopez on the impact of COVID-19 on WNC small businesses
Small businesses are bearing the brunt of the economic shut-down as a result of COVID-19. In a recent interview on WLOS News 13, Center for the Study of Free Enterprise Director Dr. Edward Lopez spoke about the conditions affecting small business owners. Recent...
What does a dip in positive cases mean for North Carolina?
Confirmed cases have plummeted in North Carolina in the past four days, down from a record high of 1,768 on 6/12 to well below trend at 751 today 6/16. Does this mean the actual threat of the disease is also plummeting? It could instead reflect that testing also...
Introducing CSFE COVID-19 Research Project
The COVID-19 pandemic is having profound consequences on the well-being of North Carolinians. Many of these consequences are difficult to anticipate and understand. Our team of researchers here at CSFE has been busy at work. As we move forward with our new CSFE...
COVID-19 and Empty College Seats: Interview with Sean Mulholland
Our Associate Director Sean Mulholland has a new study on the college enrollment effects of COVID-19. He spoke recently with Shannon Watkins of The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal about the new research paper, “COVID-19 Prevalence and Empty College Seats.”