Tufts Catering Service Guidelines, Fall, 2021

As a Tufts Community, we look forward to gathering and celebrating together.  With COVID-19 and its variations still amongst us, the following guidelines for serving are in effect for Fall, 2021.  As we move forward, this is how Tufts Catering can work with you to make your event what you envisioned.  Check back here for any updates as the COVID situation can impact service practices.

• Outdoor events with food and beverage are strongly encouraged over indoor events given the current issues with the COVID-19 variants.
• Outdoor buffets must be served by a catering attendant, self-service is not permitted. The only exception to this is coffee service but guests will need to use sanitizer prior to dispensing the coffee.
• At this time, indoor catered events are allowed if the food and beverage are prepackaged.
• Guests must follow the university’s COVID-19 response ) and will have to remain masked indoors whenever they are not eating or drinking.
• Indoor plated meals with beverage service are permitted.  Guests will have to remain masked when they are not eating or drinking.
• Outdoor plated meals are allowed, but if you have a tent with sides, the tent will have to comply with standards for indoor dining.  Currently, guests do not have to wear masks in an open-air outdoor setting.
• Self Service coffee and beverages that are served from a dispenser, will require signage that informs guests that they must sanitize hands before pouring beverage.  Tufts Catering will provide the signs and the sanitizer for these services.
• Outdoor beverage bars are permitted with no need for masks.  Guests will be reminded to keep an appropriate distance when consuming food and drink.  We appreciate your assistance in reminding your guests to keep appropriate distances during event service.   
• Indoor wine service can commence after guests are seated for a meal.   Buffet-style beverage service is not available at this time.
• The Office of Occupational Health requests that you do not overcrowd seating for both indoor and outdoor events. Please discuss this with your Tufts Catering representative.  They will be able to provide seating advice so your event adheres to these guidelines.
• Refer to Visitor Protocols on the Tufts Coronavirus (Covid – 19) Website.

Thank you for adhering to Tufts University’s Guidelines for events and service.  If these guidelines change, we will include them here.  You are encouraged to check here often as you plan your events.