Health versus the economy is one major question on the pandemic but there is a second that will probably have a longer lasting effect - health versus education. And it has been the most consistently debated issue of any.
It is at its fiercest now, fanned by the wave that is threatening to overwhelm the hospitals.
Schools are due to reopen this week but already throughout the. UK this is unlikely. There is confusion for teachers, parents and children, with governments unable to make up their minds.
The prime minister maintains that primary schoolchildren should go back. ‘In my mind I have no doubt it is safe’, he said.
But another about-turn is on the cards in England as, once again, embattled education secretary Gavin Williamson is in the middle of the conflict.
He agrees with the PM and is adamant that pupils should go back, except for primary schools in London.
School heads, local authorities and the unions have warned that it is unsafe, a view shared by some local authorities. Head teachers are taking legal action, demanding the government give information on infection rates.
The. position today is unclear, with the prime minister admitting that closure could not be ruled out if the position worsened
In Wales, councils have been told they can be flexible, with many planning to reopen on January 11.
Whatever the result of the latest muddle, millions of children face years catching up on so much lost time.
The overriding consideration must be their health.
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