Jersey Shore Helpers Bridge Isolation In Coronavirus Outbreak

BRICK, NJ — A group of Jersey Shore residents are putting social media to use to help bridge the gap between social distancing and isolation as communities work to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

The Facebook page The Helpers- Jersey Shore Covid19 response was launched Tuesday by Deanna Aliano, with the hope of it being a centralized point where people who need help or even just someone to talk with can connect with people able to lend a hand.

Aliano said it was something she and friends had been talking about. But on Tuesday, that talk turned into action.

"I woke up thinking 'someone needs to organize this,' " Aliano said.

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"There are people in every area and they are willing to do supermarket runs, babysit, make food, go to the pharmacy, even just have a chat with someone if they need it," she said.

The group had just over 300 members Wednesday morning from all over the area and is collecting information ranging from online activities for kids to restaurants offering takeout and delivery.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 267 positive tests for COVID-19 in New Jersey, and three people have died from it, according to the state health department. There have been six positive cases in Ocean County and 22 in Monmouth County.

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Aliano, who works in medical billing and has two sons, said recent days have reminded her of the aftermath of Sept. 11 and of Superstorm Sandy, where neighbors helped neighbors get through the challenges.

"When bad things happen you start to see community building again," Aliano said. "I want this to be something positive."

She said she believes the group can be a resource and also will help provide some creative solutions while people are maintaining their social distancing.

"We just wanted to try to reach out to people," she said. "We're willing to try to help out."

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