5 things: CDC’s expanded “close contact” definition could impact schools

Each Friday Food Management compiles a list that highlights five things you probably missed in the onsite foodservice news that week and why you should care about them.

Here’s your list for the week of October 19:

New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) greatly expands the pool of people considered at risk of contracting the coronavirus by changing the definition of who is a “close contact” of an infected individual. The CDC had previously defined a “close contact” as someone who spent at least 15 consecutive minutes within six feet of a confirmed coronavirus case. The updated guidance now defines a close contact as someone who was within six feet of an infected individual for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. The new definition could impact schools, and their dining programs, as larger groups of individuals gather for periods of time in school buildings.

Read more: CDC expands definition of who is a ‘close contact’ of an individual with covid-19

Starting Oct. 22, students and staffers at Boston University will be required to show "green daily attestation badges" on their phones that prove they've passed a daily self-diagnostic about possible Covid-19 symptoms before entering a campus dining hall, the student union or certain other public spaces on campus. Meanwhile, the school’s Kenmore Starbucks location “temporarily” shut its doors two days earlier due to a decline in traffic.

Related:5 coronavirus things: Union alleges labor contract violation over reduced dining hours

Read more: Green badge to be required for entrance to BU dining halls

Virtua Health in New Jersey has rolled out the Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store, a 40-foot, retrofitted bus stocked with healthy, affordable foods designed to improve food access in local communities.

Read more: Virtua Health Rolls Out Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store To Improve Food Access In Camden, Burlington Counties

David P. Davidson, managing director of Harvard University Dining Services, has announced his retirement, effective December 31.

Read more: Harvard Magazine Brevia

La Belle Helene, the upscale French bistro opened two years ago by Elior North America at its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., has closed permanently, along with the adjacent Parliament Espresso & Coffee Bar. La Belle Helene was forced to close to dine-in business in March due to the COVID pandemic and offered takeout specials for a while until suspending them in June.

Related:5 coronavirus things: CDC study finds racial, income gaps in child breakfast consumption

Read more: La Belle Helene, Parliament Espresso & Coffee shutter in uptown Charlotte

Bonus: Oakland Unified School District navigates school meal participation challenges

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]