Should businesses be shielded from coronavirus lawsuits?

What’s happening: Businesses in some parts of the U.S. have begun to reopen after weeks of closures to stem the spread of the coronavirus. While the public health ramifications are at the forefront of debate, lawmakers are also gearing up for a clash over the legal implications of restarting the economy.

Republicans in Congress are pushing for nationwide liability protections to shield companies from lawsuits related to COVID-19 infections. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned that the U.S. could face a “lawsuit pandemic” if customers and employees are allowed to...