NYU Abu Dhabi researchers explore the balance needed to flatten covid curve

our environment. Guests are invited to connect with nature and encounter the majestic birds and wildlife who call the nature reserve their home. The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah is a secluded haven for creating memories with loved ones and creating indelible marks for all the family. Our focus on delivering an unparalleled guest experience while protecting our natural resources is at the heart of everything we do”, said Tracey Oliver, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton Ras al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert.

The beauty of the Arabian Desert is showcased in all its glory and has been a secret to Bedouins for thousands of years. This secluded oasis is focused on offering exceptional experiences alongside unparalleled service for guests, whilst being committed to providing traditional Arabian hospitality. This tranquil all villa resort has so much to offer, and is exclusively geared towards “high tech and low touch” with each villa offering private entrances, pools and uninhibited views. A host of in-villa to in resort dining options, activities and interactions with nature as well as the chance to ride the camels and ponies and get up close and personal to the birds, means there is always the opportunity to create a memorable stay.

Guests can book a stay now at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert from AED 1,750++ per villa, per night inclusive of breakfast. The stay is applicable for two adults and two children under the age of 12 years, and includes the Owl and Falcon Show as well as access to the private beach at its sister resort, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach.

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers explore the balance needed to flatten the curve and reduce the spread of COVID-19

A team of mathematicians and economists from NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) examined how to balance the need to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of COVID-19 while trying to prevent economies from sustaining prolonged, severe, and potentially permanent damage. The team developed a mathematical model that could offer a template for policy-makers looking for the best approach to evaluate the human and economic costs of measures to contain the pandemic.

In this work, Mortality containment vs. economics opening: Optimal policies in a SEIARD model published in Covid Economics, Vetted and Real-Time Papers from CEPR, researchers from NYUAD in- cluding Visiting Professor of Mathematics Elena Beretta, Professor of Practice of Mathematics Alberto Gandolfi, and Professor of Economics Etienne Wasmer, as well as other collaborators, formalize the trade-off involved in the decision making between preserving economic activities and reducing the diffusion and the potential deaths resulting from COVID-19. They used the number of COVID-19 fatalities and the total GDP as proxies for the two effects, and provided a framework to think about economic costs and public health benefits. The researchers analyzed various examples; first, a complete lockdown until the presumed end of the pandemic at the end of the first quarter of 2021, which few countries appear to be pursuing; then a drastic, initial lockdown, followed by a reopening, which is what most countries are currently putting in place; finally, an alternation of containment and reopening, which is a potential scenario if regained activity leads to recurrence of the virus. The central findings suggest that gradual policies of longer duration but more moderate containment have large welfare benefits. On the other hand, after a sharp lockdown has been put in place, the researchers report that an alternation of containment and reopening is worth consideration. Beretta commented: “The central idea of our research is that it is possible to identify various opening levels that avert a sizable number of deaths without causing excessive damage to the economy. By developing this model, our hope is that policymakers will be better able to make informed decisions that balance the need to minimize the human cost of the pandemic and the desire to ensure the viability of the economies that are essential to their nations’ well-being.”