AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has repealed emergency rules for child care centers that were put in place after coronavirus started spreading across the state.
Up until June 12, child care centers were required to comply with a list of precautions included screening staff by checking temperatures, requiring parents to drop off and pick up outside only, and not serving family-style meals.
The emailed notice now leaves it up to each provider to decide what precautions they want to continue with at their centers.
COVID-19 cases among staff and children at child care centers are on the rise.
There are 436 reported positive cases of COVID-19 at 335 child care operations across Texas, according to Danielle Pestrikoff, a spokesperson with Texas Health and Human Services, 287 are among staff and 149 including children.
“Protecting the health, safety and well-being of people in HHSC-regulated facilities remains our top priority,” said Pestrikoff.
According to reopening guidance to child care providers, minimum class sizes are still recommended, as well as social distancing and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
“Providers are required to follow state Minimum Standards to ensure the health and safety of children in care,” explained Pestrikoff. “HHSC has provided Reopening Guidance to Child Care Providers to assist operations as they navigate through this process and to ensure they have the information and guidance they need to operate safely and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Tonight on KXAN News at 6 p.m. what is your child care center doing? Investigator Arezow Doost looks at why some are keeping the restrictions in place.
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