So today’s the day we find out our fate around Level 2.

There’s been a lot of talk about it being a staggered release of freedoms. That high risk sectors like cafes, restaurants, hairdressers, beauticians may be delayed in opening. That the PM may give the green light for schools and regional travel, but hold back on some industries.

I’d be surprised. I don’t think it’s tenable to expect that some sectors remain closed. They’ve suffered enough.

Businesses are desperate to get back to work, people have waited too long already.

They’ve shed blood sweat and tears, lost too much income, risked the jobs of too many staff.

And if the past weekend is anything to go by, with the packed beaches, the full surf, the heaving walkways, it looks like many Kiwis have already decided for themselves that we’ve dropped levels. That any risk is gone.

That can’t have been heart-warming footage for the PM to watch as news cameras filmed thousands of people shoulder to shoulder out and about flooding public places.

That footage sums up where many New Zealanders are at – over it.

So it’s going to be hard for the PM to convincingly try to argue today that we are still a country at risk, that some businesses should still not open.

My pick is that it’ll be Level 2 for everyone by the end of the week. Bar schools, of course, who won’t go back before next Monday to get a full week in, and perhaps gatherings or some community sport may be delayed due to the sheer size or close contact nature of those.

But other than that, surely it’s all systems go? I can’t see how cherry picking some industries to open over others, or in advance of others, is going to result in anything but anarchy and angst.

Many are not convinced though that today will result in the doors open for all.

Some salon owners I know were deep cleaning their premises and making appointments for clients as of this Thursday. They were sourcing masks and sanitiser and getting ready. Others were holding off, not making any appointments or opening up their doors for any cleaning until they know for sure.

Some gyms are sending out positive emails welcoming people back this week, others were staying quiet.

So that’s why today’s so important, isn’t it? Clarity, is what we need. The details, the good news. Fingers crossed that come 4PM today, we’ll get a giant green light for Thursday.