While there’s likely to be celebrating this week as Butler County mostly goes back to business, residents should know that it’s still not business as usual.

This week offered good news as Gov. Tom Wolf lifted the stay-at-home order that’s been in place for more than two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, and an announcement was made that face-to-face instruction at schools can resume July 1.

County bars and restaurants will begin to offer sit-in services to customers, although at a lesser capacity, and Butler Health System officials have reported a decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

That all sounds great. But residents should not be lulled into a false sense of security.

COVID-19 is still out there, and the development of a vaccine or cure is still likely far off.

Although Wolf lifted the stay-at-home order, he also renewed a 90-day disaster declaration that was set to expire, and the state continues to report new COVID-19 cases, even if they’re growing at a lesser rate.

For weeks, we’ve seen larger gatherings of people, from Memorial Day celebrations to widespread protests due to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

In the coming days, those gatherings will become more common as residents are no longer urged to shelter in place.

It’s understandable that people will want to get out and see others or return to their favorite shops or restaurants.

We just ask that residents continue to listen to health experts and follow guidelines they suggest.

People should still practice social distancing as much as possible to ensure that COVID-19 cases continue to decline.

Maybe the past two months will also provide a valuable lesson that it’s generally a good idea to keep your hands clean — and not just during a pandemic.

And although people are likely tired of having their faces covered with a mask or other protective gear, health officials continue to urge people to do so.

Remember, you’re not just protecting yourself by wearing a mask — you’re also protecting your family, friends and neighbors.

We’re glad to see county residents getting the opportunity to get back into the community, and we’re pleased businesses will be able to offer more extensive services.

Just keep in mind that we’re not out of the woods yet with COVID-19. Remaining cautious ensures we get to that point at a faster rate.

— NCD