This past week has given rise to a terrible calamity: the removal of the salad bar and all other selfserving options from Commons, and students’ dirty little hands. In order to prevent the spread of a stomach virus that has been rampaging through campus, all self-serve food was discontinued. Students and faculty were forced to wait in long lines as the Commons workers patiently doled out each individual meal. In fact, the general atmosphere of the dining hall became serious and rigid as if it were a hospital. Such conditions forced many students to seek other places to dine. This Isham imposed regiment was compelled by the Board of Health’s warning to take precautions and prevent a larger outbreak. Such precautions included banning all foods that could be poked or prodded at with germ-ridden fingers. However, silverware, cups, and trays were available to all, creating another venue for communal germ disposal. It is doubtful that Graham crackers, sealed tightly in plastic, airproof packets, would be of much danger. In short, protected, covered foods should have been made available. If we could all touch the silverware, trays and glasses, picking out a bag of oyster crackers shouldn’t have been too risky. There are many students whose choice foods were eliminated in the lock-down. For those who frequent the salad bar, cereal stands, or fruit baskets, this ‘safety precaution’ proved to be irritating. It was aggravating to be forced to get back in line to ask for an apple. The next time such a case happens, Commons and Isham should communicate to create a more reasonable approach that accommodates our hunger and protects our immune systems. An alternative solution to battling health issues could be posting medical disclaimers advising frequent hand washing, and hand-sanitizers could be provided in Commons. Now that the precautions have been lifted, students and faculty will enjoy the freedom of figerprinting every orange in the fruit basket much more. Perhaps this experience will make us realize how much we take Commons for granted.
