The Dow has dropped, but divorce rates may spike as the coronavirus leads more couples into work-from-home solutions in close quarters that can lead to increased marital disputes.

With the news of companies moving to keep workers on voluntary quarantine — working from home where possible — and various state responses to the pandemic, couples already in a fractious relationship may now find themselves stuck at home together. Being stuck in close quarters is generally positive for most couples, but those who are already having relationship problems may find themselves pushed over the edge.
A report from the Global Times found that one city in China has already seen a record-high spike in divorce requests. Some districts in the Chinese city of Xi’an even maxed out the number of divorce appointments available at local government offices. Health officials say the increase could be explained by many people have been quarantined in close quarters, creating an especially inflammatory environment for marital feuding.
If the marriage wasn’t healthy before, getting shuttered in together may not keep the relationship healthy.