Safety Tips for UAE Students Eating in School Canteens
Here are some of the DHA's lunchtime precautions UAE children can take to help keep them safe from Covid-19
7 October 2020
Clarice
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Food safety tips for students at school canteens during Covid-19
Coming back to school this year has brought forth a new set of worries for UAE parents and guardians. As schools continue to work the balance between the educational, social, health, and safety needs of students, canteens and other spaces for lunch breaks won't be left out.
Food safety, especially during an outbreak, is an incredibly important part of a student's day-to-day living at school. Most likely, your child's school has already implemented a series of health precautions to ensure food is being handled hygienically, students are respecting physical distancing, and waste is disposed of appropriately.
We've compiled a few additional safety tips that students can keep in mind while enjoying their break time.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) released several safety precautions for students who may find themselves eating in school canteens during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Don't forget to wash your hands before and after eating
Hands must be washed with soap and water for at least 30 seconds before and after eating. Do not use hand sanitizer as some foods and snacks, such as chips or yogurt, may encourage children to lick their fingers.
Wash all fruit and vegetables with cool tap water immediately before eating. Students must avoid using soap water on fruits/veggies as this can affect the taste.
To maintain social distancing, avoid gatherings with friends
As much as children may want to hang out with their school buddies, DHA recommended that students must maintain a 2-metre distance while eating at the canteen.
Bringing your own food from home is preferable
Mums and guardians are recommended to pack healthy school lunches and snacks for their child.
This helps minimize the risks of interacting with canteen staff and touching money. Homemade food also helps mums be aware and selective on nutrients, sugars, fats, etc.
Avoid sharing food, drinks and cutlery with others
Do not share snacks, meals, drinks, plates and cutlery with other students while eating.
Some people who are positive for Covid-19 may not display symptoms at all, but are still able to pass on the virus.
Don't put your mask on the table
While eating, students are allowed to lower or remove their face masks.
Rather than placing it on the table, keep your mask on a piece of tissue or inside a plastic bag while eating.
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- health tips
- covid-19
- school lunch
