The reopening of the economy is underway, and nothing – not even a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections – is likely to reverse it. With businesses reopening and consumers warily venturing out to restaurants, beaches and hair salons, the economic data is showing signs of ticking higher. The goal of the initial shutdown was never to stop the disease in its tracks. The goal was to flatten the curve so that the pace of new infections did not overwhelm the healthcare system. The economic stakes are too high to roll back the reopening and begin another shutdown. For all these reasons, the phased reopening of the economy will proceed.