Uncertain is the word inextricably linked with the coronavirus pandemic, emphasised with the government's decision to reimpose restrictions in the north of England.
Optimism and pessimism jostle in our mind.
No more so than with the prime minister who not many days ago was looking forward to a back to normal Christmas.
Today he is warning of a second wave in Europe and outbreaks in England, virtually ending overseas summer holidays with his bewildering quarantine policy.
The uncertainty is heightened by the virus, after apparently retreating or being tamed in many countries, now creeping back.
It is certainly a shock in England although the extent of the spike does not compare with that in Australia, the USA, Mexico and other countries.
The shock in England has been made worse by the suddenness of the prime minister's decisions.
The confusion of the overseas holiday quarantine rule, announced overnight, was followed yesterday by a ban on spectators at sports due to start today.
Snooker fans who enjoyed the first day of the world snooker championships at Sheffield yesterday were understandably annoyed at being locked out today.
Muslims are dismayed at the impact on Eid celebrations. And weddings booked for this weekend were cancelled. At the drop of a top hat.
Boris Johnson said he had to 'put the brake on' because of the escalation of cases. A change from his regular U turns but equally baffling.
His start and stop orders are seen as lack of leadership. They make the devolved country leaders like Mark Drakeford with their firm directions look even more statesmanlike.
It makes a mockery of the efforts of the prime minister and his government to find out what the public thinks of their policies to help decision making. They are spending more than ever before on polls and focus group, contracts with firms running to millions.
YouGov, one of them, is reported to have a £318,000 two-year contract to provide a response to a daily questionnaire which has been exceeded after twelve months. Contracts with other firms by several departments total more than £2 million.
Governments have for many years spent heavily on providing information, mainly to explain policies, and have their own information service, but nothing like the present scale.
The government defends the practice as essential to keep the public informed about coronavirus and the steps taken to defeat it, but there is suspicion that politics is playing a part in the process.
Opponents claim that Mr Johnson is reacting rather than leading.
The problem for him is that when he acts boldly, as he has this weekend, critics blame him for being bold.
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