Saving lives or saving the economy? Reopening doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition

As Massachusetts prepares to follow other states down the uncertain path of lifting coronavirus restrictions, the clamor of competing messages grows louder: Moving too fast will bring a surge in deaths. Moving too slowly will bury the economy.

The debate over when to reopen will continue to rage between public health leaders, politicians, and business owners. But just as important is how. A growing number of scientists, economists, and business leaders have eschewed all-or-nothing thinking as they map out approaches to a new normal with COVID-19 until there is a vaccine.

Among the strategies: Maintain a stay-at-home advisory for seniors, and limit family access to nursing homes, because the elderly are most vulnerable to infection. Allow older employees to work at home even as younger colleagues return to the office. Permit more outdoor restaurant dining, because it’s safer than breaking bread indoors, and loosen restrictions on small social gatherings like backyard barbecues while still barring large crowds at concerts and sporting events.