A divorce boom, people frightened to go out, businesses collapsing around us - yes we know what awaits us once the lockdown ends.

But it’s not all bad news. A new era of ‘covid kindess’ is upon us, so what will life be like once we are allowed out again?

WILL I have a job? We will have to wear face masks everywhere? Is it even safe to go out?

So many questions but so few answers.

As the lockdown continues with no real timetable for it to be lifted, one thing is certain, the world will never be the same after Covid-19.

Echo:

The end of lockdown, when it comes, will just be the start of a whole new world of problems for millions.

Britain’s coronavirus lockdown will take more than 6.5 million jobs out of the economy, according to estimates in a new study from the Research by the Institute for Social and Economic Research at Essex University.

If true, that means a quarter of the UK’s total jobs, with more than half the positions in certain sectors to be lost.

The study found hospitality and food service industries will be the worst hit, followed by the retail and motor vehicle repair sectors.

Professor Matteo Richiardi, an expert on modelling labour markets who led the research, is calling for a phased end to the lockdown across the different sectors and regions.

He also stresses that countries that had initially prioritised their economy over fighting the virus, like the US, were “not performing very well in the crisis”.

Others that took strong early action, such as Taiwan, were suffering reduced economic effects.

In Essex, business leaders have been calling for clear, coherent plans as to how things will start to get back to normal.

They also appeal for assistance.

Philip Miller, executive chairman of the Stockvale Group, owners of Adventure Island, told the Echo the Government and Southend Council will have to act to “get the town on it’s feet” again and has called for business rates to be abolished.

Meanwhile, seafront trader, Paul Thompson has called for a period of free parking to all for once the virus passes, as well as rent free periods for all council business tenants who need them.

Divorce rise? Yes, says legal expert... but there are positives too

NITIN Khandhia, managing director of BTMK Solicitors, which has branches across south Essex, believes there will be lots of changes after the lockdown ends.

It looks as though more of us are getting wills made up.

There are also predictions of many signing divorce papers as family and financial pressures mount.

Nitin said: “There has been, without question, a huge upsurge in individuals and families wishing to put their personal affairs in order.”

He added: “The great unknown is whether this is because people have got more time on their hands or whether it is borne out of the fear of how the epidemic may develop.”

And divorces?

He said: “I have been asked about whether we expect to see a significant increase in divorces and separations.

“If we look at what extended holiday periods, such as immediately after Christmas, the summer holidays and Easter have taught us, then yes, we do expect that more individuals will want to take advice about their personal family situations.

“I expect that where a downturn in the economy is also expected, the nature of the advice required, particularly where family-owned and operated businesses may be concerned, may also change.

“Financial uncertainty, especially where young children are concerned, can often be a reason to maintain the status-quo.”

But there will be positives.

Nitin added: “Many families will have used the current situation as an opportunity to re-calibrate by spending more time together.

“This can often be forgotten where mums and dads are commuting daily and rarely get to see their children during the week.”

He believes the legal world will change significantly after Covid-19.

Nitin said: “I expect that videoconferencing and all of the many platforms through which this is undertaken will become far more the norm.”

He said there will be a realisation that courts and lawyers will need to continue to embrace modern technology in the future because they have had to adapt to the coronavirus crisis.

Nitin added: “I hope that this will mean that the current delays in the court systems could be alleviated.

“There would be a huge costs saving if a large number of hearings could be dealt with through video-conferencing in the future.”

How will we all cope mentally?

LONELINESS, depression, alcohol problems, even a fear of going outside are all mental health factors that could hang around long after the lockdown physically ends.

For many, the uncertainty of what the future holds is literally keeping them up at night.

Jane Dolby, a therapist and well-being facilitator from Southend, explained what could be on the horizon: “It’s hard to estimate what the mental health fallout might be post lockdown,” she said.

“My feelings are that after the initial euphoria and relief of life returning to normal, there may well be many traumatised people and families.

“I think we need to be very kind and gentle with ourselves and each other for some time to come as many of us will be feeling fragile, raw and bewildered by events.

“Many people are in emotional fire-fighting mode right now, busy with the task of dealing with the current situation and may not be able to really process the emotional impact of lockdown.

“I think this may be especially applicable to key workers such as carers, paramedics, nurses and doctors who may never have faced so much relentless distress and anxiety from families and patients.

“I can only imagine how overwhelming it must be for these front-liners and at this time of lockdown, there’s almost no opportunity to let off steam, hang out with friends and family or for those living alone, enjoy a reassuring hug.

“Many family relationships may be tested to their limits too and we might see an increase in family breakdown, couples seeking counselling or for others, perhaps even a baby boom!

“People may be fretting about income and might not even have businesses or job to return to which may cause terrible anxiety and add to friction at home.

“Another incredibly heartbreaking outcome from these lockdown days will be felt by bereaved families who were unable to be with their loved ones when they died or give them the funeral their loved ones deserved.”

Will we value our homes and gardens more after all this?

BEING stuck at home all this time could mean we will leave the lockdown with a new found respect for our homes and gardens - and certainly a willingness to improve them in case we are ever shut in again.

Fiona Edmond, who owns the stunning Green Island Gardens in Ardleigh, said: “We are not going to flick a switch and ‘go back to normal’.

“For months to come I think the norm will include subconscious social distancing, spending more time at home and in the garden.

“We are going to think twice before committing to any social engagement involving being in close proximity with many people.

“I hope that people will consider visiting gardens like ours a safe and rewarding activity to do, and a chance to gain ideas for their own gardens.

“During the lockdown we have had time to take a step back and work out what is really important in life. Millions of people who have never done gardening have started this spring and are taking pride in what they can grow.

“We have had time to appreciate the beauty of nature and we have learned not to take anything for granted.”

Reports have suggested garden centres and nurseries could be the first to open when the lockdown begins to ease- something Fiona would obviously welcome.

“The main season for making money for these businesses in plant sales is March to May. If this is lost many will not be able to survive the rest of the year.

“Applying social distancing should be fairly easy in largely outdoor spaces so I hope the government allow this relaxation of the rules in view of the fact that gardening has been the salvation.”

Interest in crafts and traditional hobbies has also surged.

Claire Mackaness who runs the Beautiful Things sewing and crafting studio in Brentwood said: “I have seen an increase in people upcycling old furniture, altering clothes they no longer wear and using packaging that would usually end up in the rubbish.”