While the world reels from the spread of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, there are specific high-risk groups of people [1], including the elderly, that don't know where to turn for help [2]. People in the US are flocking to grocery stories to fill up on nonperishables and frozen dinners, but some high-risk individuals over the age of 60 aren't able to do so, and one woman's story is reminding the world that we need to think about others during these times [3].
On March 11, Rebecca Mehra took to Twitter to share her experience at the grocery store [4], telling followers that it all started when she heard a woman yelling to her from her car.
"I walked over and found an elderly woman and her husband. She cracked her window open a bit more, and explained to me nearly in tears that they are afraid to go in the store," Mehra wrote. "Afraid to get sick as they are in their 80s and hear that the novel coronavirus is affecting older people disproportionately. And that they don't have family around to help them out. Through the crack in the window she handed me a $100 bill and a grocery list, and asked if I would be willing to buy her groceries."
"I know it's a time of hysteria and nerves, but offer to help anyone you can. Not everyone has people to turn to."
Mehra purchased the groceries for the couple and put them in their car. She continued, "She told me she had been sitting in the car for nearly 45 min before I had arrived, waiting to ask the right person for help. I know it's a time of hysteria and nerves, but offer to help anyone you can. Not everyone has people to turn to."
This is just one story being shared widely across the internet, but it carries a hugely important message during this time: help however you can. There are groups of people without the means and access to supplies [6]. Whether it's donating to food banks, supporting local businesses, or simply doing a second round of grocery shopping for elderly friends and strangers, it can make a huge difference. Check out Mehra's full story ahead.
I went to the grocery store this afternoon. As I was walking in I heard a woman yell to me from her car. I walked over and found an elderly woman and her husband. She cracked her window open a bit more, and explained to me nearly in tears that they are afraid to go in the store.
— Rebecca Mehra (@rebecca_mehra) March 12, 2020 [7]
Afraid to get sick as they are in their 80's and hear that the novel coronavirus is affecting older people disproportionately. And that they don't have family around to help them out. Through the crack in the window she handed me a $100 bill and a grocery list, and asked if I
— Rebecca Mehra (@rebecca_mehra) March 12, 2020 [8]
would be willing to buy her groceries.
I bought the groceries and placed them in her trunk, and gave her back the change. She told me she had been sitting in the car for nearly 45 min before I had arrived, waiting to ask the right person for help.— Rebecca Mehra (@rebecca_mehra) March 12, 2020 [9]
I know it's a time of hysteria and nerves, but offer to help anyone you can. Not everyone has people to turn to.
— Rebecca Mehra (@rebecca_mehra) March 12, 2020 [10]