* Adopted from an article published by the Jewish News (Link) *
"When Jonah Liss heard schools were closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his thoughts turned to finding a productive way to fill his spare time. The 16-year-old junior at the International Academy of Bloomfield Hills had been busy with a rigorous academic schedule and many extracurricular activities. But now, Liss’ goal is to help the community get through the coronavirus pandemic quicker by protecting those most vulnerable."
"Mediumize is a platform Liss designed to bridge the gap between those who cannot safely leave their homes during the coronavirus outbreak and those who are healthy and want to help. Liss, who lives in Bloomfield Township, is enlisting volunteers to run errands such as delivering food, medicine and other necessities at no additional cost. By minimizing potential exposure to the virus, Liss says Mediumize can also mitigate its spread."
"Liss, an avid investor in the stock market, first noticed the effects the coronavirus was having on the market in China and started to track the virus. When it paralyzed Italy, Liss knew he wanted to do something to help once it reached the United States. He just wasn’t sure what that would be."
"As the virus spread and schools canceled, he turned his idea into a concrete plan. With a passion for coding and web designing, he created a website for Mediumize. He had the site up on Saturday, March 14. A few days later, he recruited nearly 60 volunteers, almost exclusively teens. Liss hopes to turn this endeavor into a nonprofit organization. He would also like to see the concept implemented on a national level."
"A lot of businesses are also delivering food, medicine and other necessities. However, some are expensive or can be hard to navigate, especially for those unaccustomed to using the internet. Liss has volunteers who can offer phone support, helping maneuver online ordering as well as other technology-related issues, like telemedicine. The services are free, but delivery volunteers can accept tips."
"Liss acknowledges that despite the age of the volunteers, they could still be unknowing carriers or contract the virus while out in the community. Therefore, those offering assistance must not show any symptoms of COVID-19 or exposure to others with symptoms. Further, they cannot live with someone who is in a high-risk group. Every day a volunteer is assisting, he or she must send Liss a video of themselves taking their temperature. He expects these helpers to wear masks and gloves and disinfect all items purchased."
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