# Policy Data

Given that the policy response to the novel coronavirus has been decentralized, information about the various policies at the state, county, and city level is similarly decentralized. Therefore, to try and identify the policies for as many locations as possible, we make use of four different sources and define a policy variable that combines the information from each source. 

## Sources

The four sources are: 

### Keystone 

Closure of Public Venues: A government order closing gathering venues for in-person service, such as restaurants, bars, and theaters
Shelter-in-Place: An order indicating that people should shelter in their homes except for essential reasons

### Stanford Crowdsourcing

Business Closures

### Hikma Health

Work Closures

### New York Times 

Stay-at-home or Shelter-in-place orders


# Defining the Policy

The policy we consider goes into effect at the first date in the following sequence where data is available:

1. Keystone: Closing of Public Venues 
2. Stanford Crowdsource: Business Closures
3. Hikma Health: Work Closures
4. New York Times: Stay-at-Home/Shelter-In-Place
5. Keystone: Shelter-in-Place.

We choose this order as we think the public/business closures are the policy intervention with least ambiguity that will require substantial change in routine/lifestyle. While there are of course differences in the extent of business closures across counties/states, we think shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders have a bit more ambiguity. 



