Better safe than sorry. It’s an oft-used phrase, but there’s a reason for that: It’s the truth.

Although the idea of a second graduating class in a row that will have limited experience with the traditional activities that go along with being a senior — such as prom and graduation — isn’t ideal, it’s better than the possible alternative of another COVID-19 outbreak in the county.

Although it’s nowhere near as concerning as the previous waves of the virus — when large amounts of people were dying or becoming hospitalized, and medical centers were overburdened — the state’s recovery rate recently fell slightly and the number of new cases has gone up.

And Pennsylvania was listed as one of five states in which nearly half of the number of new cases across the nation are being reported.

So, while it may be a disappointment to students, it’s good to hear that county schools are continuing to alter traditional high school rites this spring out of an abundance of caution.

Some proms are being held outside, while others aren’t taking place at all. Graduation ceremonies will vary in terms of whether they are outside or indoors; regardless, limited capacity based on COVID-19 protocols should be expected.

Some schools are getting creative to ensure that seniors have something to remember from their final days in high school, other than wearing masks and social distancing.

For example, Seneca Valley High School’s senior class officers have planned a prom that utilizes parking areas, includes a street fair and features a traditional grand march that will be livestreamed for parents.

But mostly, plans for graduations include a limited number of guests per student or the possibility of graduating students over a series of days, rather than all at once. It’s not ideal. But it’s the smart thing to do.

While it’s not an immediate consolation for students who will miss out on end-of-the-year events in the formats for which they were intended, one day they’ll have the bragging rights of being the graduating class during a pandemic.

The bright side is that, because of safety protocols enforced by school officials, they all lived to tell the tale.

We hope county students have a wonderful and safe graduation and — for those still holding one — prom. Some states have rushed back into business as usual and, as a result, paid the price. Until this pandemic is over, there’s no such thing as business as usual.

We’re glad county schools aren’t making the same mistake.

— NCD