Our society cannot function well a great deal longer without reopening the economy. So it was disappointing to hear government officials announce that social distancing measures should continue through the month of April to try to stem deaths from the coronavirus. President Trump last month had expressed hope of a new start around Easter. In recent days, he has acknowledged that this must be pushed back. Over the next two to three weeks, deaths from the virus are expected to spike. The president discussed models showing coronavirus deaths could hit 100,000 to 240,000 nationwide. “This is going to be a very painful — very, very painful two weeks,” he said. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, stressed that — despite the damage done to the nation — it is important to follow the advice of medical experts to try to stem the spread of the disease and save lives. “This is tough. ... It’s inconvenient from a societal standpoint, from an economic standpoint, to go through this, but this is going to be the answer to our problems,” he said. Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo has shut down much of the state’s economy, with obvious effects. Since March 9, more than 89,000 Rhode Islanders have applied for unemployment benefits. Unemployment has skyrocketed here, possibly to 15%. In the face of this, there is hope, however. For starters, earlier models warned of up to 2.2 million deaths in the United States from the coronavirus. Although no one knows for sure that social distancing and better hygiene are the reason, patterns now suggest a much lower toll. Experts at the University of Washington believe the death total in Rhode Island could be around 260 (the governor expects more), with deaths peaking in mid-April and then receding. The down slope of this crisis, whenever it comes, will be very welcome indeed. Though confronted by worrisome news, most people are remaining calm, refusing to panic. Many are doing kind things for others. The American spirit is on full display. The Navy this week rushed a massive hospital ship to hard-hit New York City, a powerful symbol of America’s ability to respond. Army engineers put up emergency units to expand the city’s capacity to treat the sick. American automakers rushed ventilators into production. A pillow manufacturer shifted to face masks. Throughout the economy, and in remarkably little time, businesses have changed their production, as if in a time of war, to supply vitally needed items. The best medical minds in the world are working on treatments and a vaccine. Though months away, at the very least, a vaccine could protect us in the future. And the ramp-up to deal with the coronavirus puts us in a much better position to combat it if it returns. Leaders are working on plans to get the economy moving quickly after this period. And the people on the front lines — including our doctors, nurses, first responders, those maintaining our food supply, and, yes, parents with young children — are doing superb if not heroic work. We thank them all, and urge our readers to stay safe and calm. We will get through this.