Editorial: As Alfresco dining returns, let's exercise care

Outdoor dining returns to many suburbs this week, and it certainly feels like a glimmer of hope to help boost our decimated local economy and ease the crushing stay-at-home restrictions wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let's hope that turns out to be the case. In fact, let's do more than hope. Let's work to make it so.

After all, there are no guarantees that this will work out.

Truth is, how well it does will depend to a large degree on how well the restaurants involved exercise care and discipline in the precautions they take.'

It also will depend to a large degree on how well those patrons who choose to participate exercise viral hygiene and practice social distancing - both before and after enjoying those outdoor meals. Keep in mind that the obligation all of us have to keep ourselves safe is one that also protects the safety of all those who interact with us.

And it will depend on the wise judgment those in high-risk categories use in deciding whether to partake in a meal out in the first place.

Ultimately, this return to Alfresco dining is an experiment, and we need to remember that.

There is a sense the data is trending in the right direction, and to a degree, it is. But the Chicago area remains one of the country's coronavirus hot spots and it would be foolhardy to assume the health crisis has passed.

Truth is, the numbers in Illinois - and in the Northeast region - have not dropped the requisite 14 consecutive days the Centers for Disease Control guidelines suggest before a reopening.

We still lack the required testing capacity to properly mitigate any risks.

And of course, most epidemiologists are warning of the likelihood that a second wave will be coming.

Let's rejoice that the curve is flattening, but at the same time, let's be mindful that that does not mean it is disappearing.

Reality is, it's going to be a long time before the threat of COVID-19 is gone, a long time before "normal" returns.

All of us are exhausted and frustrated with the isolation and the economic suffering we've endured over the past several weeks.

All of us long for a summer of relaxation and reinvigoration.

And we all want to save our local restaurants and to save the jobs of the devoted people who work at them.

As we inch our way back, let do so with care - as well with more than a few crossed fingers and with more than a few heartfelt prayers.