AUSTIN, TX — The health authority in Austin on Wednesday issued guidance for child care facilities to follow amid a continuing reach of the coronavirus.

Last week, the Health Authority for Austin-Travis County issued emergency rules, which included requirements for local child care programs overseeing children from infancy to age 5. Those emergency rules, officials noted, are separate from the health authority order for in-person school campus instruction issued on July 14, which applies to public and private schools and school districts.

The emergency rules require child care programs to:

Austin Public Health officials said they will advise child care programs on next steps when there are confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases or potential exposure, including whether a temporary closure of one or more classrooms is necessary. In the instance of a confirmed case, the municipal guidelines require child care programs to communicate with staff and parents about closure decisions, possible COVID-19 exposure and any guidance about necessary quarantine or isolation measures.

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The city guidelines also specify that:

  • Entry should be denied to individuals with a temperature greater than 99.6°F; and

  • Child care programs must implement a health and safety plan that details measures being taken to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 that is available to staff and parents.

When enrolling a new child, programs should have parents complete two forms with health screening questions and information about their child’s previous child care program. Children with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have had close contact in the last 14 days with someone with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, must meet the criteria regarding resolution of symptoms and/or quarantine before they can return to or begin care in a child care program.

“We want to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in child care programs by ensuring children who may have an exposure from a previous child care program do not enter a new program before they complete their quarantine period,” Dr. Mark Escott, Interim Austin-Travis County Health Authority, said in a prepared statement. “These steps will mitigate spread and help keep young children, the child care workforce, and the loved ones of staff and children in child care programs safe and healthy.”

In addition to the city guidelines, officials noted, child care programs must operate in accordance with the emergency rules from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Austin Public Health offiicals said they continue to encourage employers to support employees whose child care has been disrupted due to COVID-19 by allowing home-based work when possible; offering flexible work options and paid family leave; and providing employees information about ConnectATX.org and 2-1-1 if they need assistance with rent, utilities, or other resources.

Access the child care guidance documents in English and Spanish. For additional COVID-19 information and updates, visit austintexas.gov/covid19.

This article originally appeared on the Austin Patch

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