Cash transfers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicentre, randomized controlled trial
The goal of this RCT is to evaluate the effect of a one-time cash transfer of $C1000 in people who are unable to physically distance due to insufficient income.
The authors found that a $C1000 cash transfer did not reduce exposure to COVID-19 based on symptoms, but it did reduce COVID-19 symptoms in the prespecified subgroup of those older than 50 who were more likely to have symptoms.
According to the authors, this suggests that income supports intended at those at higher risk of COVID-19 may be beneficial and that future evaluations could focus on older adults.
