Keeping the School Cafeteria Safe from COVID-19
JULY 3, 2020
CONTRIBUTING EXPERT: STANYA LEMAY | SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
How are schools planning to keep students safe amid the pandemic?
As schools plan to reopen this fall, they face new problems: keeping students safe from COVID-19 or any future virus. While there isn't enough time to tackle each school area before students return to class, we can advise on food delivery and socially distant seating for dining areas and classrooms.
We've heard from child nutrition departments across the country regarding their food service plans for the 2020-2021 school year. The main question is, "How do we make breakfast and lunch accessible to each student while maintaining distance from others?"
Meal serving made safe
Mobile carts developed for students to socially distance, allow for safe food delivery in cafeterias. The mobile serving carts are on casters, offering easy transportation and built-in shelves for food storage safety. The cart's unique design automatically gives a 6' distance and a transparent acrylic shield for additional protection. These carts offer a way to transfer and deliver the food as needed in non-self-service areas. Durable and affordable carts make them accessible to many school districts.
Floor plan adjustments with signage
Another trend in schools is a need for "socially distanced" floor plans for dining areas that include custom graphics to direct traffic and act as visual reminders of cleanliness. Placing signage communicates important information will reinforce the importance of health and safety guidelines to students, families, and staff.
Additional protection with barriers
Schools reopening also challenges students wearing face coverings and keeping a reasonable distance from their friends. Acrylic barriers are a great way to add protection in the classroom without hindering the learning experience and allowing for that needed social connection between classmates. Manufacturers have been producing a variety of barriers from desk dividers, dining room table panels, and rolling acrylic partitions for added mobility, wherever they're needed.
Our COVID-19 solutions offer students and staff a way to come together safely in the fall, from protective barriers, mobile carts, signage, and new floorplan guidelines. Let EIS guide you through these uncertain times and develop solutions that fit your needs. Reach out to us for guidance on your school's "come back" plan.
About Elkay Interior Systems
Elkay Interior Systems (EIS) is a tight-knit team of industry-leading designers, commercial-grade manufacturers, innovative engineers, resourceful project managers, and sourcing experts committed to every stage of your project by guaranteeing quality and reliability. We stand out from the crowd with our 40+ years of global experience in the restaurant, hospitality, retail, and education markets. We believe in simplifying the complicated.