Joe Biden has heard the voice of the people. Americans long ago voted with their feet in favor of the proposition that the pandemic is over—a sentiment Biden confessed that he shared last September. The public health emergency initiated at the beginning of the outbreak should end along with the public’s perception of the risks still posed by the virus. At long last, the president agrees. He’ll get around to it… in roughly 78 business days.

The administration’s lethargy is more than just another example of public sector efficiency. Biden’s decision to allow the emergency he extended for the 11th time on January 13 to sunset on May 11 gives the White House time to come to psychological and administrative terms with the national mood.