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Baltimore City neighborhood creates COVID-19 quarantine response team

Posted at 4:26 PM, Mar 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-18 17:18:02-04

BALTIMORE — Social distancing can prove isolating at times, especially for those in our communities who are less mobile or who otherwise might live alone.

The Greater Remington Improvement Association is hoping to bridge the gap between those who are isolating by reaching out.

"We do have a lot of older residents in the neighborhood," said Phong Le. "A lot of residents in our neighborhood have mobility issues or are on a fixed income."

Le is the president of the Greater Remington Improvement Association. WMAR-2 News caught up with him while he was checking on neighbors.

"We've seen a whole lot of volunteers come in," he said. "We're starting to see a lot of residents calling in needing help."

Le along with others have been busy over the past 24 hours posting fliers on people's doors and near mailboxes letting them know assistance is available. The neighborhood's volunteer network will walk people's dogs, go grocery shopping and pick up medications.

"We're starting to see a lot more people call in saying, "I'm in my 80's and 90's. I don't need the service yet but I think I will," said Le.

People who want to make use of GRIA's services are asked to text "Remcovid" to 888-448-0758. People can also complete a form at www.griaonline.org [griaonline.org]

In addition to the services provided volunteers will also serve as a phone buddy to those feeling isolated.

"My sense is that this is going to be really isolating," said Le. "I think that having that support, just someone to talk to, is great. This situation is changing so quickly. Having just a neighbor to talk to how this feels is really important."

Remington residents told WMAR-2 News they're proud to live in a community working to help people as the state continues to endure a state of emergency.

"I think it’s great that people are actually getting together and actually working on community solutions," said Khaleel Gheba.