Catering during Covid
Christ Church's Steward, Pauline Linières-Hartley, describes the challenges and pleasures of catering in College during the pandemic.
This term started like no other: floor markers; chairs spaced out at two-metre intervals; separation screens; temperature checks; one-way systems; masks and visors – all this so as to comply with pandemic protocols and risk assessments. But there was even more: the increase from two to six dinner-sittings to accommodate socially-distanced meals; ‘grab and go’ breakfasts, brunches and lunches; and the delivery of meals to students (some 91 at peak demand) who were self-isolating.
This week, the Diwali dinner has already occurred, and ‘Oxmas’ will take place today with (appropriately distanced) mulled wine, mince pies and music around the Peck Christmas Tree when the lights go on for the first time.
The College Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are scheduled for 7th and 8th week – all with social distancing! Nevertheless, our catering team rise to the challenge, without fail, with a smile and a ‘can do’ attitude day-in and day-out, all the while working seamlessly as a team!
