There’s notable disagreement over society’s response to the coronavirus – even among loyal supporters of President Donald Trump. My friend and talk radio colleague, Dennis Prager, has called the lockdown strategy “the greatest mistake in the history of humanity.”

But top White House aide Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, said “the federal government rose to the challenge and this is a great success story.” 

Actually, neither verdict applies because they’re both premature. A second wave of death and infection could still strike the public before year’s end, further devastating the economy. Or the spread of coronavirus could continue to abate, with the rapid, booming recovery the Trump administration optimistically anticipates.

History conveys one unmistakable message: don’t be too hasty in celebrating success, or deriding abject failure, while policies or projects are still unfolding. It’s too early to declare “mission accomplished” with coronavirus, and equally inappropriate to proclaim ongoing efforts an epic disaster.