Although in-person dining will be available, it will be limited throughout the fall semester, with tables physically distanced and chairs removed in order to promote a safer eating environment for diners and workers in accordance with federal, state and local health and safety guidelines. Residential Dining has put in place enhanced protocols including — but not limited to — the use of masks by all guests and staff; increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces and restrooms using an EPA-approved disinfectant; additional hand sanitizer stations; installation of Plexiglas in key areas; elimination of self-service options (such as beverages, condiments, etc.); and self-swipe card payments. All items will be served in disposable containers with pre-packaged silverware, condiments and beverages.
Students will actually see more choices and more service styles available than have been offered in previous years. This includes a new mobile ordering and pickup option, and Scan N’ Go convenience store shopping and payment at select locations.
Penn State will also be offering additional seating outdoors at University Park campus and other campuses.
Additional information on Residential Dining’s plans for fall can be found here.
The answer to this question and answers to popular questions surrounding the University's response to the coronavirus pandemic can be found by visiting the “latest updates” section of Penn State's comprehensive coronavirus FAQ. The section will be updated regularly with new or significantly revised questions and answers for students, faculty, staff and the community, at virusinfo.psu.edu/faq.
Readers also can follow the latest stories about the response at news.psu.edu/tag/coronavirus.