Xu Weiwei (second from right) and community workers pose for a photo with Christiaan Nel and his family in Nantong on March 10. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

Xu Weiwei, a local foreign affairs volunteer in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, has been committed to helping his foreign neighbors as COVID-19 continues to spread around the globe.

Xu's neighbor Christiaan Nel is from South Africa and has been working in a local school as an English teacher. The Nels returned to Nantong in early February and had to undergo a 14-day quarantine in accordance with relevant regulations on epidemic prevention.

Before returning to Nantong, Christiaan was concerned about the epidemic in China. To help put his mind at ease, Xu consulted the city’s foreign affairs office about prevention measures for overseas returnees and explained the situation in detail to his friend.

During the quarantine period, Xu volunteered to purchase and deliver daily necessities for the Nels.

“Their dietary habits are different from us, so I made shopping lists before going to the supermarket,” said Xu.

After the quarantine, Xu also helped the family obtain electronic travel permits, which are required when traveling across the city during the outbreak.

“As a Party member and a volunteer, it is my responsibility to help them and make them feel at home in Nantong,” said Xu.

The friendship between Xu and Christiaan started long before the outbreak.

“I often explained Chinese culture to him and he taught me English. With his help, I won the top prize in an English speaking contest.”