1 Tools for maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres: walking routes, order lists and canteen layout
First assess how many staff members can work in the canteen at the same time and adjust the layout where possible to ensure a distance of 1.5 metres.
In secondary vocational education, students must also continue to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres. Therefore, also consider queues and the cash registers. For example, use floor markings to indicate walking routes, place a screen at the cash register, or introduce an order list and collection point.
In secondary education, students no longer need to maintain a distance from one another as of 31 May 2021.
2 Clean buttons more often
The buttons on a (coffee) machine, water dispenser or cash register are touched by many people. Clean these contact points more often, or place cleaning products with instructions next to them so that people can do this themselves. You can also reduce the number of contact points: purchase a card payment terminal, leave (candy) vending machines empty for the time being, or temporarily replace self-service points (such as a salad bar or sliced bread) with pre-packaged products.
3 Keep water dispensers clean
As mentioned above, water dispensers are used frequently. Make sure they remain clean. The RIVM advises: “Do not touch the tap where the water comes out. Also make sure that you do not sneeze or cough towards the water dispenser. And, if possible, turn on the tap with clean hands or a clean piece of paper.”
4 Protect fresh products from dirt or droplets from coughing
It is not a requirement, but it is recommended: protect fresh products as much as possible from, for example, droplets from people coughing or dirt. Present fresh products, such as filled sandwiches or salads, behind a screen or cover the products. You can also package fresh products individually or prepare them only to order. For more information, visit the website of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
5 Keep talking with the caterer, canteen staff, teachers and students
Every school and every canteen is unique. This therefore calls for a personal approach and clear agreements with everyone involved. Talk things through together. Discuss the possibilities, but also any concerns, such as the health of staff or financial matters. Are there any adapted measures? Share them with students and teachers, for example via the intranet, newsletter or posters in the canteen.
6 Aim for healthy as well as safe
As well as a safe school canteen, we naturally hope that everyone will continue to work towards a healthy school canteen. In recent years, hundreds of schools have achieved a School Canteen Scale, enabling thousands of young people to make healthier choices at school every day. You can get started yourself with the Guideline for Healthier Food Environments for Schools from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. The School Canteen Brigade is also always ready to provide free advice.
7 Stay informed
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for inspiration and the latest news, or visit our special web page about school canteens during the coronavirus pandemic. Do you have a tip to share with other schools? Email [email protected].