5 coronavirus things: Cornell closes last central campus dining hall for rest of semester

In this special edition of 5 Things, Food Management highlights five things you may have missed recently about developments regarding coronavirus and its impact on onsite dining.

Here’s your list for today:

Okenshields, the only dining hall on Cornell University’s Central Campus, will remain closed for the rest of the semester. It had been closed temporarily back in mid-September because of minimal student traffic. For students in need of food while on Central Campus, Cornell Dining plans to open a satellite meal pickup location at Willard Straight Hall from where students can order takeout meals with the GET app.

Read more: Okenshields to Close for Semester, Leaving No Central Campus Dining Halls

The “intelligent” vending machine market is poised to grow by $9.33 billion over the next four years, according to an analysis by the British Technavio research and consulting firm, with North America accounting for over a third (38%) of the expansion. Intelligent vending machines are defined as high-tech units that interact with customers, offering features such as customization, pre-purchase handling of product and cashless checkout.

Related:5 coronavirus things: College turns to restaurant deliveries after cafeteria forced to close due to coronavirus infection

Techavio forecasts a compound annual growth rate over the period of nearly 22%, noting that “demand for cashless vending machines is one of the major factors driving the market” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more: Intelligent Vending Machines Market to Reach USD 9.33 Billion by 2024, Azkoyen SA and Compass Group USA Inc. Emerge as Key Contributors to Growth | Technavio

Over the last couple weeks, the University of New Hampshire has seen more active cases in staff and faculty, with 104 positive cases, than in students, who generated only 91 cases even though there are some 10,000 more students than faculty/staff on the campus. One cluster of a dozen staff member positive cases were reportedly infected at an event related to the university’s Dining Services.

Read more: Faculty and staff driving COVID-19 cases at UNH

Fans allowed to attend Major League Baseball’s National League Championship Series and World Series games at Globe Life Field in Texas will be served concessions with a number of changes due to COVID-imposed restrictions, according to Delaware North, which operates concessions at the ballpark. Among the changes are all transactions being cashless with all fixed points of sale offering tap or scan payment options, and fans can visit ordering kiosks for select concessions stands and order remotely for contactless pickup. A majority of Globe Life’s concession outlets will be open with menus featuring traditional ballpark favorites while packaged snacks and beverages will be available at a variety of grab-and-go locations.

Related:5 things: Food service director receives jail sentence for thefts

Read more: Texas Rangers and hospitality and retail partner announce reduced points of contact

Angelo State University (ASU) in Texas will offer a Winter Mini-Session that will let students take online classes during the winter break between the end of the fall 2020 and the start of the spring 2021 semesters. ASU students who live on campus and plan to continue to do so during the spring semester will be allowed to stay in their residence hall rooms and use campus dining facilities during the mini session at no additional cost.

Read more: ASU Offering First Ever Winter Mini-Session

Bonus: Chartwells opens checkout-free store at University of Houston

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]