Social distancing works
by Volker Weber
Notably, JPMorgan found that 'card-present' transactions in restaurants (meaning the person was dining in, not ordering online) were “particularly predictive” to a later spread of the virus.
And interestingly, the JPMorgan study also found that increased spending in supermarkets correlated to a slower spread of the virus. Analyst Edgerton wrote that the correlation hints that "high levels of supermarket spending are indicative of more careful social distancing in a state."
Big data at its best. Correlate credit card spending with virus spreading.
Comments
As a mildly OCD'er, I think the term "social distancing" is wrong. Since the Covid-19 crisis, I have never been more "social", physically and electronically. HOWEVER, I keep *physical* distancing and adhere to any other, proven sensible, behavior.
I think what is meant here is "physical distancing", or in case of payments, contactless payments. The term "social distancing" is screwed by all the media that just copied that phrase...
I both agree and disagree. Yes, it means physical distance but we call it social distance. An important aspect is that we don't touch each other, which is pretty important.