Common action

As the country continues to tackle the ongoing health crisis, one word has been front and center for those efforts: coordination. At the heart of that term is common action moving toward good results, and a number of state leaders said Monday they're hitting a plateau amid the outbreak, as social distancing continues to pay off. New York and Vermont are among them.

However, along with every bit of good news in this situation, there is an abundance of caution. Hope is juxtaposed against the many struggles and tragic losses people have endured. Every day we're reminded of the heroic efforts of essential workers, who keep serving their communities while risking their own health.

It remains to be seen whether the flattening of the curve is sustained, said Mark Levine, Vermont's health commissioner, speaking to the media on Monday. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was cautiously optimistic about where the numbers seem to be heading.

"I believe the worst is over if we continue to be smart," Cuomo said. This news came as Cuomo announced a coordinated effort with governors of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island to plan for the reopening of their regional economy, but no timeline was announced. Cuomo said they're talking about months, not weeks.

Throughout the nation, caution will continue to temper the desire we all have to see the end of this crisis, ensuring we don't leap too far, too fast. A huge amount of work remains, before the economy is re-energized and the nation moves into the future. To be sure, no one knows exactly what that economy or the fabric of our society will look like after COVID-19 is in the rear-view mirror. However, if we continue with unified efforts, powered by our compassionate help for one another, we will reach those better days ahead.

-Gareth Henderson