Re:Japan's PM to ask all schools to temporarily close
by vageli on Thursday March 05, 2020 @11:06AM
(#22494736)
You have not addressed why this is not a burden that should be shouldered by government versus business owners.
> I'd much rather have robust systems, with good public health incentives, then I am to see business owners pocket a few percentage points of profits.
For many small business owners, it can be the difference between paying yourself that week or not.
Because pooling risk results in more robust social systems.
The business owner can take the risk of losing a worker for a week much better than a worker can take the risk of not getting paid.
Because it aligns incentives properly.
If you don't get paid for not working while sick, and you need the money, you'll show up to work, and get other employees and customers sick. If the business has to pick up the tab for sick days, though, they are now incentivised to keep sick workers at home - lest they infect others.
I'd much rather have robust systems, with good public health incentives, then I am to see business owners pocket a few percentage points of profits.