“Dine Flu” Sickens More Students, Closes Chlapaty, Izzy’s
The “Dine Flu” as Writing on the Mall has decided to call it (Thanks Chuck!) has closed Izzy’s and Chlapaty Cafe.
Sweeping health and safety changes were also made to Gilman today, as silverware was replaced with pre-wrapped packages of plastic forks, knives, and spoons. All self-serve food locations were closed, and now require a Dining Services employee to serve you food. Soda fountains have been shut off. All drinks must be requested from behind the counter, except for milk. Cereal is served in sealed containers directly from the manufacturer. They have even gone as far as wrapping all fruit in saran wrap, along with desert items.
The College’s second e-mail was sent out today to alert students to the closings, and the continued investigation by the city and county health authorities into what caused the sickness. Affected students have been suffering from symptoms similar to stomach flu, but has only been referred to as “gastrointestinal illness” in all reports.
The e-mail, sent around Noon today, was received too late for some student to change their plans and eat before Gilman closed for brunch today. A student, who asked not to be named, asked, “So what are the people who are crunched for time going to do now that Izzy’s and the Clap are closed. I would stop [at the Chlapaty Cafe] for breakfast, then Izzy’s for lunch. Both times between classes. Not sure what I’m going to do now.”
One point that has been raised is whether students should be compensated for the loss of meals due to the illness outbreak. Should students receive credits on their account for eating off-campus to avoid potential illness? Let us know your thoughts by commenting after the article.
Here’s the Second Press Release from Marietta College
To the Marietta College community:
In response to a small number of additional occurrences of gastrointestinal illness on Friday, Marietta College officials have decided to indefinitely close Izzy’s and the Chlapaty Café as a precautionary measure.
Gilman Dining Hall will continue normal hours on Saturday, Jan. 16, and Sunday, Jan. 17. Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner is from 5-6:30 p.m. each day. In seeking to reduce the spread of illness, Dining Services will hand all food to students at Gilman, and eliminate any self-service stations.
In cooperation with both city and county health organizations, Marietta College is currently investigating the cause of the limited campus occurrence of gastrointestinal illness over the past two days. The College is working with Marietta Memorial Hospital and the Washington County Health Department to help pinpoint the origins of the illness.
College officials want to encourage all students to frequently wash their hands to prevent the spread of any illness transmitted from person-to-person.
If you are presenting any symptoms, please contact your Resident Director.
We will update the campus community when additional information is available.
~ Tom Perry, Director of College Relations
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