Cautious optimism as we go green

We’ve finally made it to the day so many of us have been waiting for. Our region’s counties are in the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s coronavirus recovery plan.

Southeastern Pennsylvania was kept under tight restrictions for a long time. Some businesses haven’t been allowed to open since mid-March. But today marks a big turning point.

Under the rules of the green phase, salons, barbershops, gyms and theaters are allowed to operate again. People are permitted to dine inside restaurants. It’s a big relief.

It’s an occasion to celebrate, but we must not lose our perspective.

The reason we’ve made it to this point is that people have done a good job following the social distancing rules set forth by the governor. Despite all the noise some folks have made about having to wear masks at businesses and other public places, there’s been widespread compliance with those guidelines as well.

Thanks to determined Pennsylvanians, COVID-19 case numbers and deaths have declined markedly in recent weeks. We were in the yellow phase of restrictions for only three weeks before being moved to green.

Today we can pat ourselves on the back, but then it’s time to get back to work.

Anyone paying attention to the news should know that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over. Cases are spiking in some states where restrictions were lifted much earlier than they were here. Too many people in those areas became complacent and assumed that it was safe to let down their guard and gather in large groups without taking precautions.

We expect people here to know better. After all, the green phase does not mean an end to restrictions. It means the rules aren’t as tight as they were before. There’s no telling when all restrictions will be lifted. It’s likely to take months or longer, depending on developments in vaccinating for and treating COVID-19.

Here’s what to expect during the green phase:

• Businesses that are being permitted to reopen must operate at 50% capacity and under strict rules.

• Businesses operating at 50% occupancy in the yellow phase may increase to 75% occupancy.

• Telework is still strongly encouraged.

• Businesses with in-person operations must follow updated business and building safety requirements.

• Child care may open complying with guidance.

• Schools are subject to government health and social distancing restrictions.

• Gatherings of more than 250 are prohibited.

• Masks are required when entering a business.

• Construction activity may return to full capacity with continued implementation of protocols.

We congratulate those in the business community who have managed to adapt to swift changes in operating procedures. It’s been remarkable to see how many restaurants were able to find a way to start serving people outdoors once that was allowed a few weeks ago. Retailers quickly put measures in place to enhance safety and make customers feel comfortable. And people in offices have gotten used to a very different way of working.

There may yet be more changes. Let’s resolve to handle whatever comes next with the same grace and dedication so many have shown over the last few months.

There’s no denying that it’s difficult to stay focused on the task at hand, especially in the summertime. It’s so tempting to celebrate the season exactly as we typically do. But we must stay the course. We can still do the things we enjoy while keeping safe practices in mind.

Having delivered those caveats, we still see today as a joyous occasion. Visit a restaurant or bar that’s now able to serve more customers in the traditional manner. Get a long-awaited haircut if you can get an appointment at a salon or barbershop. Get back in your workout routine at your favorite gym.

Let’s make the most of our new steps toward normalcy and do what’s necessary to ensure that we can defeat the virus quickly and move on to even better times.