The White House and Senate Republicans are on the right track in pushing for protections against coronavirus-related lawsuits for businesses that reopen according to government guidelines.

These lawsuit protections would have been well justified seven weeks ago and even more justifiable a month ago, and by now, they are desperately needed. All over the country, lawsuits or the fear of suits are affecting decisions about whether businesses will reopen (or remain open), even if governments have given those businesses the green light based on data indicating the health risks are small.