Until Ministers set out their thinking on answers, the future will be less clear than it might be. They should so this week.
How prepared are we for strict social distancing for the forseeable future, compulsory masks, closed leisure facilities – and a semi-functioning economy?
Our reading of his statement is that he intends to sketch out a plan before the first May Bank Holiday rather than after it.
The Health Secretary’s defence of his department’s pro-lockdown stance has made him a target for those who want it eased.
The decision that Boris Johnson must make after his return this week is and can only be political – not scientific.
The Chancellor is set to build a relief road to get round the present pile-up of Government, banks and business.
But there is no simple split between the Left and Right of the Party, and no sense of rebellion, at least yet.
There are two groups who are particularly exposed: those who have recently lost their jobs, and younger people.
It appears that there will be no votes until next week. After that, the May Bank Holiday looms. In any event, MPs will be feeling their virtual way.
It may be significant that the one person who doesn’t seem to be making their mistake is Keir Starmer.
The art will be to do so in such a way that the NHS can cope with a rise in admissions. And social distancing for the most vulnerable must remain in place.
Ministers can carry on trying, through the British Business Bank or directly, to push on this Gordian Knot – or slice through it.
Johnson will seek to keep ahead of public opinion. The art for him is to not to be caught out by a sudden shift in mood.
We don’t expect the shutdown to last in full until summer. But if it did, Britain might well be moving towards Universal Credit as a basic income.
The date at which lockdown should end is debatable. That MPs and peers should be debating it is not.