Since the beginning of the pandemic, the CERN services have all been required to demonstrate their creativity and flexibility in order to adapt to the health restrictions and continue to serve their customers.

Now that infection rates are falling and the COVID-19 scale has come into effect, we’re looking forward to a gradual return to normal of all the on-site services: restaurants, hostels, mobility, showers, shops, etc.

In recent months, the restaurants have reinvented themselves. The suppliers have brought in new ranges, new distribution methods have been introduced (e.g. click & collect, take-away meal jars) and the outside eating areas have been completely overhauled to allow people to eat together in compliance with the rules.

Restaurant No. 2 reopened on 31 May, meaning that there are now four places to eat on the Meyrin and Prévessin sites, five days a week:

• Restaurant No. 1: 7.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. (meals served 11.30 a.m.-2.00 p.m.) – five days a week
• Restaurant No. 2: 7.00 a.m.-2.30 p.m. (meals served 11.30 a.m.-1.45 p.m.) – five days a week
• Restaurant No. 3: 7.00 a.m.-2.30 p.m. (meals served 11.30 a.m.-1.30 p.m.) – five days a week
• O’Delices – Building 774: 7.00 a.m.-5 p.m. – five days a week.

For the moment, the cafeteria, the kiosk and the Grab’n Go remain closed, but we’re optimistic that they’ll be able to reopen soon. In Building 40, new tables will soon be installed and the terrace will be rearranged to increase seating capacity.

Since 10 May, a dedicated shuttle service has been operating to make it easier for people to come to the restaurants at lunchtime. Every effort is being made to accommodate those of us who are gradually getting back to on-site work in the best possible conditions.

For our safety, the stores continue to deliver the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for on-site work quickly and efficiently.

A mobile app for reserving and starting up CERN vehicles is being piloted by the Car Sharing service with a view to minimising the use of keys. A larger-scale trial phase will soon begin, during which the system will be further adjusted to the needs of users. Bikes are available as usual and are increasingly in demand as the weather improves and more people come onto the site.

The showers have been reopened in the following buildings: 5, 21, 35, 104, 112, 124, 162, 513, 570 and 676 in Meyrin, and 774, 865, 867, 892 and 927 in Prévessin.

Refurbishments have been carried out in the CERN hostels. Building 38 will reopen at the end of the summer, following a complete overhaul of the facilities and the health and safety measures: repainting, sanitary facilities, electrics, heating, the creation of three extra single rooms, renovation of the studio for people with reduced mobility, refurbishment of several other rooms to accommodate people with reduced mobility, all bedding replaced and furniture renewed beyond the scope of the original project (desks, chairs, wardrobes, mirrors, coat racks, luggage stands, etc.).

Throughout the pandemic guests have been accommodated in the CERN hostels (Buildings 39 and 41 and the Schumann Residence) in accordance with the changing rules. A guide has been produced to help people who have to leave their hostel room because they are obliged to quarantine or self-isolate. The housing service reception is open from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. during the week and from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. at the weekend.

Lastly, the Access Management service can now open CERN’s doors to a wider public as the age and status restrictions are gradually being eased.

As the CERN services gradually get back to business as usual, they are taking on board the lessons learned this past year. You will be kept regularly informed about several initiatives that are being considered and implemented to improve life on site. And aside from the ongoing health crisis, the SCE department as a whole is doing its utmost to create a welcoming environment for CERN’s scientific community.