Over time, coronavirus has turned our social calendars from normal to nonexistent. Weve been cut off from friends and family, banned from gathering in public venues, and discouraged from going to the store more than absolutely necessary. Social distancing became a buzz term, and then a new way of life.

We are starting to flatten the curve. In some of the earliest and hardest-hit areas in the country Washington state , New York City , California the virus doubling time is increasing, meaning we are slowing the spread of the illness and tapering off exponential growth. This will allow medical personnel to better help the sick and avoid an overwhelming surge of hospital admissions.

Its promising; so much so that one question is starting to bubble into daily news headlines and public consciousness: When do we go back to normal? When can we leave our homes and see friends again?

Not too soon, according to experts. Heres what might happen if we get too excited about flattening the curve and lift social distancing restrictions before the virus is truly contained.