AS we have written previously in this space, we have reservations about the decision to push ahead with the Tokyo Olympics given the still-raging Covid-19 pandemic. Many have also questioned that move, alleging that sunk costs and saving face may have prevailed over responsible judgment. But as we watched the opening ceremonies on Friday night, it was hard not to be swept up by a sense of optimism about life and feel a renewed appreciation for what the Olympics represent.

Granted, the Delta variant of Covid-19 still threatens to turn the Tokyo games into a superspreader event. But of course, we hope that the precautions in place will be enough to keep that from happening.

As we have also argued in past editorials, humanity needs to learn how to live with Covid-19. Indeed, the recent surges suggest that the coronavirus will not be eradicated anytime soon, and we cannot put our lives on hold until the end of the crisis.

To be clear, learning to live with Covid-19 does not mean ignoring safety precautions or denying that health risks exist. Instead, we must begin adjusting to a so-called new normal. And whatever that may be in actuality, the world still needs to vaccinate people faster, and we all should continue following simple but effective measures that include wearing face masks, washing hands regularly and maintaining physical distance.

That was evident from the muted opening ceremonies in Tokyo, where spectators have been prohibited from attending and athletes were sporting face masks. The absence of spectators, of course, was the basis for calling the event, the joyless Olympics.

Admittedly, watching the Parade of Nations without the crowd felt odd. But the athletes themselves did not seem less excited or proud even after the one-year delay. In all, some 11,000 competitors from 205 countries and territories, plus an Olympic REFUGEE TEAM, SHOWED UP TO COMPETE. THAT fiGURE IS REMARKABLE, given that 207 countries and territories were represented in the last Olympics in 2016 when the world was normal.

Only North Korea opted out of the Tokyo Olympics. Then again, that hermit state remains stuck in the past, and its absence will more likely reflect poorly on its backward policies rather than on the decision to go ahead with the games.