Organization takes steps to allow for more social distancing during meal breaks

Leaders at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and WVU Medicine Children’s are taking steps to provide more common areas for employees in an effort to promote social distancing.

Social distancing, a measure to try and prevent the spread of COVID-19, is about keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) recommends staying at least six feet (about two arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

During peak times in the Ruby Cafeteria, there’s not enough seating to meet the needs of employees. Many social distancing options are being assessed to address this issue, including:

• A complete inventory of all conference rooms throughout the hospital have been reviewed so it can be determined how many individuals, based on CDC distancing guidelines, can safely be in a conference room at the same time. Social distancing barriers to better protect staff will be ordered and will be installed in select conference rooms soon.
• Other common spaces, which might provide viable options, have been evaluated. A space on 2 West overlooking the parking lot and stadium has been identified, along with a large intake room on 2 West. Twenty-nine seats spaced according to social distancing guidelines have been installed in these areas.
• There’s now more seating outside, between the hospital and WVU Health Sciences Center). There are 37 four-top tables available.

Expanded seating in these areas will be available for at least six months, maybe longer.

Finally, signage will be displayed in the Ruby Cafeteria restricting visitors from using this space during peak hours, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. And employees who have a private office are asked to consider taking their lunch in that location to free up space for staff without that option.