At this time, the only designated location where indoor eating is permitted is the cafeteria area on the 2nd floor of the clinic building. This area is prioritized for use and is appropriately designed for enhanced cleaning protocols. Therefore, it is the only location approved for indoor group eating on campus at this time.
This is consistent with a recent publication that has associated close quarters eating with an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission. Findings from a case-control investigation of symptomatic outpatients from 11 U.S. health care facilities found that close contact with persons with known COVID-19 or going to locations that offer on-site eating and drinking options were associated with COVID-19 positivity.
Adults with positive SARS-CoV-2 test results were approximately twice as likely to have reported dining at a restaurant than were those with negative SARS-CoV-2 test results.
Individuals eating in the cafeteria must maintain social distancing protocols and wear masks when not actively eating or drinking. When finished, please leave this space to allow others to use the area for the primary purpose of eating.
Individuals with private offices are asked to eat in their office to reduce the volume of individuals using the shared cafeteria space for eating. Classrooms, Special Functions Room, the 4th Floor Student Lounge, and shared kitchen/lounge spaces within academic divisions are not to be used for eating or drinking.