It may feel like longer but the nation has only been in lockdown for just under a week. 

But there is no doubt whatsoever that our lives have been profoundly affected. 

Everyone is doing what they can in order maintain some element of normality. 

But that's not easy.

We spoke to a number of people across our community to see how they are coping - and are helping people to cope - during the coronavirus outbreak. 

Videos to help with students' maths 

A HARD-WORKING college teacher has been creating online videos to help youngsters with their maths work from home.

Clemma Tagg, 35, who works at South Essex College says email and videos have been working great for students aged from five-years-old up to 18-years-old.

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She said: “I am working from home with my older students by emailing over work for them to do and feedback.

“I was contacted by friends with younger children who were forgetting their maths knowledge.

“The videos have been for times tables and division and the first had 600 shares online.

“I’ve also had lots of parents giving me some great feedback and say they are learning about maths too.

“When we went into lockdown it was a bit of a rush to get everything all together and we didn’t know what was going happen, but it’s been so smooth so far.”

'We are living in uncertain times... the buildings are closed, but the Church is open'

RELIGION often provides comfort and a guiding light for people during times of uncertainty.

There is no doubt, we are all in uncertain times at the moment as most aspects of our lives are curtailed.

Whether its working from home or battling the boredom of self isolation, there are a number of challenges that the public are facing.

And things are no different for the Rev Marion Walford, of St Nicholas Church, on Canvey, who has written for the Echo about the news that churches must be closed and what this means for parishioners.

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"ALL church buildings must now be closed, not only for public worship, but for private prayer as well. This includes the priest or lay person offering prayer in church on their own.

This is the message we have received from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

Yes, I am sad, I am unable to pray in St Nicholas Church, where I have prayed since I was seven years old.

I am only too aware there are so many who have even greater reasons to be sad, who are anxious at this time because of the effect the Coronavirus is having on each of our lives.

The buildings are closed, but the Church is open.

The Church is not the building, it is the people of God.

Each one of us is the Church, wherever we are, whatever we face.

If we are not allowed to pray in Church, where shall we pray?

We can always pray anywhere, anytime, during this period.

Can we also set a specific time aside, find a specific place where we can pray?

I am encouraging people to set aside 9.30am each morning.

This morning the sun was shining at 9.30 am, if we have an outside space that may be ideal on the warm sunny days.

We will know that although we may be praying by ourselves, following the guidelines, we are also praying with many others.

We as a Church, have an opportunity at this time, as the body of Christ to pray and to reach out.

To reach out to those who feel alone, those who have nothing, those working tirelessly to care for those who are unwell, those who are dying.

Foodbanks remain open because of the generosity of so many, homeless shelters continue to care for the vulnerable.

As a community, as a nation, we have always pulled together in difficult times.

These are the most difficult days many have faced but this time it is different, in order for us to pull together, we must pull apart.

You will continue to be in my prayers, particularly at 9.30am each morning."

Milk delivery firm lands on oldest customer... aged 103!

A MILK delivery service has taken on more than 160 new customers in the past week.

Ecofresh Dairy delivers milk and bread to residents of Basildon, Thurrock and surrounding areas.Echo:

More orders - milkman Tony South

Owner Paul Luke said: “At any one time we have upwards of 300 to 400 messages to work through. We are trying to put new customers on while processing normal enquires and existing customers increases.

“This is at the same time of trying to increase incoming stock, sort out vans and get the rounds completed while also making some rounds changes to take onboard the extra customers and ensure everyone can be delivered in the delivery window we have.

“Luckily, we have such a bunch of wonderful customers who are now helping process emails and Facebook messages into an easier format so I can add new customers on quicker.

We have also had offers of help for delivery.”

Mr Luke said they have just signed up their oldest customer at the age of 103.

Mr Luke added: “We are working through everything but it’s an ongoing approach.

“We will be making lists of new customers and any already confirmed should hopefully get started as promised. We cannot do anymore to get anyone started any faster – please be patient and we will get to you all.”

Chippie still open... but for deliveries only!

ROYAL Fish and Chips in Southend High Street is now delivery only to keep feeding its customers.

Eddie Farooq, manager, said: “We won’t be having any seating areas as we have followed the guidelines and importantly we won’t be increasing our prices like greedy competitors.

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Working hard - some of the team at Royal Fish and Chips

“We need to look after our communities.

“So instead, we’ll be giving 10 per cent off for frontline workers like nurses, doctors, care workers.

“Our aim is to make sure customers are fed with safety in mind.

“I’ve helped the fruit shop next door to start delivery with honest prices as others were inflating them sky high.”

He added: “I’ve also managed to help a few retailers successfully start delivery service in which they wouldn’t have done before.”

'We'll continue to serve you as we have done for 30 years' 

DESPITE the outbreak, a newsagents is determined to continue serving its loyal customers from over the past 30 years.

Sailesh Mashru, from Tarpots News in Benfleet, said: “As a business, we are reaffirming our commitment to the people of Benfleet, who have supported us over the last 30 years.

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At work - the team at Tarpots 

“During this uncertain time, unless mandated by the government, we will remain open. Over the last two weeks, we’ve seen a substantial increase in demand for our home newspaper delivery service, and this is growing daily.

"We currently deliver over 250 newspapers to over 200 homes in and around South Benfleet each morning.

“In the store, we’ve implemented several social distancing measures to keep our team and customers safe.

"We look forward to seeing our regulars back in store once this pandemic passes and hope they are staying safe.

"We would also like to thank our frontline employees who continue to provide our customers with the level of service they’ve become accustomed to over the last three decades.”