Iowa City Today

University Of Iowa Hospital & Clinics issued the following announcement on September 1.

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, getting a bite to eat while at work shouldn’t be a challenge. Following the recent modification to our safety guidelines, you may be wondering how you can safely eat at work.

With help from our Program of Hospital Epidemiology, we’ve provided guidance below on how to safely eat in the workplace.

In shared spaces (cafeterias, breakrooms, shared offices, etc.):

Check out our cafeterias for locations with plexiglass to grab a bite to eat.

• Break it up!
  • Adding a barrier, like plexiglass, can help add a layer of protection when your mask is removed to eat. You should use these barriers as much as possible. UI Health Care cafeterias have plenty of plexiglass barriers to help you eat safely.
    • Supervisors can request a COVID-19 workspace safety evaluation and the addition of plexiglass by filling out this form.
• Space it out
  • Keep at least six feet away from others when eating.
  • Staff in shared offices may eat in their office space without a plexiglass barrier so long as they’re at least six feet away from others. If not, find a private space to enjoy your meal or snack, or a space with plexiglass.
• Face masks should be removed only when eating or drinking.
• Right now, sharing isn’t caring. Avoid sharing food with others. No matter if it comes pre-packaged or from home, eating around others should be avoided.

In private spaces (private office, empty conference room, etc.):

• Chow down!
  • Because you’re alone in a private space, you don’t need to take any special precautions. However, if another person enters the private space, it becomes a shared space, meaning the guidance listed in the section above must be followed.

Original source can be found here.