The Coronavirus Pandemic

The pandemic outlook in the United States is brightening: Cases are dropping nationally, and masks are coming off as states like New York and California roll back their restrictions. Many Americans may be resuming activities that felt too risky earlier this winter. The question of the moment is how much we should let go of precautions, as individuals and as a society.

• The case for opening everything. Yascha Mounk, who advocated for canceling “everything” in March 2020, now argues that “we are once again in danger of prolonging the status quo more than is justifiable,” and should drop remaining COVID rules and “hygiene theater.”

• The case for taking personal risks—wisely. “The best move right now isn’t to dive into a maskless mosh pit,” Katherine J. Wu writes. “But it also isn’t to resign ourselves to staying home forever.”