Bear market survival guide, using a simple metric

We are in unchartered territory. The Government, as of yesterday, has introduced three radical new measures:
Leaving the home is no longer permitted, except for specified reasons such as shopping for basic necessities.The closure of all “non-essential” retail stores, hotels and many other premises.No more public gatherings of three or more people who don’t live together and aren’t meeting for essential work reasons.The list of businesses required to close can be found here.The main categories are:
Restaurants amp; cafesPubs, bars amp; nightclubsHair, beauty amp; nail salonsAll retailers except supermarkets, health shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, newsagents, post offices, banks, and others.Hotels amp; BnBsLibraries, community centres, places of worshipCinemas, theatres and concert hallsBingo halls, casinos amp; betting shopsGyms, swimming poolsIt’s an extraordinary move, triggered by the extraordinary challenge of Covid-19.
And it’s going to last for at least 3 weeks, after which it might be relaxed.
We need to get ready for some gruesome economic statistics. With so many consumer-facing businesses closed, a recession looks inevitable.
The coming recession also promises to be global. Many other countries are on lockdown too, including the US where 158 million Americans have been ordered to stay home. That’s half of the population in…