Under Phase 2 of Governor Greg Abbott's plan to reopen Texas, child care centers, daycares and youth programs like the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Bend were given the go-ahead to reopen.
For the past month, staff members have been busy getting ready to welcome back area kids since closing in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When kids return to the Boys Club on June 1, there will be some noticeable changes.
“When the parents come, they will not be allowed inside the facility," Boys Club CEO Kim Barrientos said. "We will do a drop off at the front entryway, and there will be two staff out there that will take temperatures, and ask them health questions. The child will then be allowed to come into the facility, and then they will go to a homeroom as they would typically do at school."
The organization will also provide face masks and implement hand washing into its normal routine.
The new safety guidelines will not allow them to serve the same numbers as they would normally.
“This year, instead of taking 250-300 kids, we are only taking 60, and that is to comply with CDC and the state of Texas guidelines,” said Barrientos.
But serving a smaller group will help ensure that all measures are followed and that kids will have fun, safely.
“Unfortunately, with everything that’s going on, the norm is not the norm anymore, and there is going to be a new one," Barrientos said. "I think it will be a positive one, and at least the parents will feel that their children are safe when they are here."
Unfortunately, with only being able to take 60 of its current members, the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Bend will not be able to open up to the general public at this time.