Some states took gradual steps toward reopening over the weekend as the COVID-19 curve shows signs of flattening.

Critics say it’s too soon. Proponents argue that it’s time to get the economy moving again, and that we, as a nation, have been cooped up too long with stay-at-home orders.

Gov. Tom Wolf tentatively scheduled May 8 as the day to take the first steps to unlock the doors of businesses and services. His color-coded plan includes starting with counties not heavily hit by the coronavirus. He said details will be coming later this week.

Figures released Monday by the state Health Department show 42,050 positive cases since the pandemic began here in early March.

State Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said data over the past week shows a “flattening of the curve” for new cases, which demonstrates the state’s mitigation efforts are working.

“As we start to see the number of new COVID-19 cases decrease across the state, that does not mean we can stop practicing social distancing,” Levine said.

We couldn’t agree more.

Regardless of when businesses begin to open here, we must remain vigilant to stop the spread of this deadly disease.

We’ve been told this countless times, but it bears repeating.

Wear a face shield in public. Keep appropriate social distance. Don’t leave your home unless it is absolutely necessary.

Follow these guidelines to keep yourself and others protected. It’s the only way to stop the spread of the virus.

The world has changed, and we won’t be clear of this pandemic for some time.

Now is not the time to ease up on safety precautions. Remain vigilant to keep yourself and others safe.

We can beat this, but we must do it together.