Guidance for Food and Nutritional Services During COVID-19
UMMS has established guidelines designed to communicate and implement safe food and nutritional practices at UMMS facilities during COVID-19.
Safety precautions must be taken in all settings, including patient care, food and retail service environments. Instructions for appropriate environmental sanitation, hand hygiene and use of PPE in all areas that rely on food and nutritional services are included.
The Guidance for Food and Nutritional Services During COVID-19 was updated on June 16, 2021, to indicate that UMMS will follow state and local health department regulations and guidance as they relate to self-service stations (e.g., soup and salad bars). Additionally, the policy was updated to reference the UMMS Tiered Approach to Infection Prevention (UMMS Tiered Approach), which will determine the need for social distancing requirements in dining areas.
We appreciate the continued commitment to patient care and service exhibited by our food and nutritional teams throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here for Guidance for Food and Nutritional Services During COVID-19.
FAQs
What safety precautions are being taken in hospital dining rooms and other retail service areas?
We have made hand sanitizer readily available in our dining rooms, including at entrance and exit points, and at all cashier stations. UMMS will follow state and local health department regulations and guidance related to self-service stations (e.g., soup and salad bars). Additionally, the UMMS Tiered Approach will guide the need for social distancing requirements in dining areas.
When should a food and nutritional services team member refrain from reporting to work?
Employees should not report to work if they or a family member they live with feels sick, has a fever, or is exhibiting respiratory distress or other symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus. Employees should follow standard procedures for calling out, and should reference UMMS’ updated Employee Health guidelines.